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Outcome of Public Local Inquiry
15th June 2007
Media statement
15 June 2007
Coventry Airport bitterly disappointed at Public Inquiry outcome
but business as usual, stress management
Coventry Airport today voiced its utmost disappointment to news this morning of a negative outcome on the long awaited second Public Local Inquiry into its proposed development plans. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Secretary of State for Transport (‘the Secretaries of State’) advised the West Midlands airport of its decision to refuse its application to build a new passenger terminal.
Chris Orphanou, Coventry Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We are bitterly disappointed with this decision as an airport and because of the impact it will have on the region. Our legal team will now be considering the full implications of the news.”
He insists, however, that it will be business as usual at Coventry. Despite this setback, we believe our investment plans will only be delayed slightly. We still have capacity at our existing facility and most importantly, all our airlines remain confident with Coventry Airport. We have already invested more than £5 million as part of the improvement programme and we will continue to move forward with developing other aspects of the business, in particular our airline route network,” said Chris Orphanou.
Thomsonfly operates flights to 13 popular European destinations from Coventry and Wizz Air will be commencing services to Katowice in Poland in July. Furthermore, there is considerable interest from scheduled and charter airlines about operating from Coventry, he said.
A new passenger terminal would make an enormous difference to Coventry Airport and those who use its services. “In our view this decision is extremely short-sighted and not in the best interests of the region. We have established strong working relationships with local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, local communities, tourist bodies and tour operators to promote Coventry and the economic development of the West Midlands. Today’s negative outcome is a stumbling block we intend to overcome.”
Coventry Airport was acquired in January 2006 by CAFCO-C a joint venture between Howard Holdings plc and CIAO (Convergence International Airports Organisation). At
the time of the acquisition CAFCO-C pledged to improve the airport to accommodate an anticipated increase in passengers and the company has already invested more than £5 million as part of the improvement programme.
New facilities include an extension to the south apron, the completion of new car parking facilities, resurfacing of part of the runway and general aviation apron, new aerodrome ground lighting, new signage on the runway and taxiways, new ducts for cabling to the length of the runway and ongoing improvements to Air Traffic Control, which alone represent £700,000 of the investment.
A £50m capital expenditure programme had been finalised to include the construction of a new terminal building (10,000m2) designed to process two million passengers a year, further runway improvements, expanded business aviation facilities, airfield ground lights, NAVAIDS, Air Traffic Control enhancements, freight facilities and a new hotel.
- Ends -
Coventry Airport - Key Statistics
Runway 05/23: 2008m x 46m asphalt PCN48/F/B/X/U 24 hours
Helicopter FATO 06/24 - 100m x 23m grass
Total Passengers (2006): 611,007 ALLPAX
Total Passenger Movements (2006): 6,291
Freight Throughput (2006): 12,472 tonnes
Total Freight Movements (2006): 4,654
Total Air Traffic Movements (2006): 61,978
Annual Fuel Sales: Jet 1: 20,825,623 litres
Avgas: 227,828 litres
Car Parking: 1415 spaces in use, capacity for 2060 spaces
Check-in desks: 8
No of Staff employed: 180 (Coventry Airport only)
Airlines:
Thomsonfly.com flies to 13 destinations.
Wizz Air commences 3 times weekly service to Katowice on 13 July
Navigation Aids / ATC:
ILS Runway 05 CAT1 system
ILS Runway 23 CAT1 system
NDB/Locator
SRA available for Runway 05 and 23 to 2 miles touchdown
Notes to Editors:
CAFCO-C
CAFCO (Coventry) Limited (CAFCO-C) is a joint venture company consisting of Howard Holdings plc and Convergence-AFCO Holdings Ltd (CAFCOHL) an Anglo American management and development company.
CIAO (Convergence International Airports Organisation)
CIAO is a British Aviation Development company. The organisation specialises in the ownership and operation of next generation regional airports. CIAO has been formed from a group of professionals who collectively have experience of owning, developing, operating and managing physical assets and capital projects at over 60 airports worldwide, with annual throughputs ranging from 500,000 to over 10,000,000 passengers. CIAO is currently actively involved in the planning, design and engineering of new regional airport projects in Spain, Italy and Eastern Europe. It has the people, the experience and expertise available to deliver high quality operational facilities at regional airports across Europe and beyond.
Howard Holdings plc
Howard Holdings plc is a specialist mixed use developer, investor and asset manager. The company operates from offices in Ireland, Poland, Portugal and the UK. Howard Holdings has a track record of working in successful partnerships, by specialising in joint venture arrangements with public and private bodies, companies and individuals, frequently unlocking new opportunities which optimise value for all parties.
For further information, please contact:
Alison Chambers/Helen Stevens
Emerald Media
T. 01962 736600
Sue Lindsay
Marketing and PR Manager
Coventry Airport
T 02476 308681
slindsay@coventryairport.co.uk
www.coventryairport.co.uk
www.ciao.aero
www.howardholdingsplc.com
Media Enquiries Contact: Sue Lindsay +44 (0) 2476 308681
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