A summary of some of Mike Morton's points on the BBC Tees phone-in this morning:
- The airport name is still "up for grabs" and open to discussion - especially now we have Vancouver as the main shareholder. Lots of feeling about it, and a return to Teesside Airport "not ruled out" if it's right.
- They recognise that signposts still say Teesside Airport, and you'll often check in for a flight to Teesside Airport rather than DTVA at a foreign airport.
- Thomson winter flights have been a "massive success" and as such they will return with Alicante, Sharm el Sheikh and Tenerife next winter.
- Thomson summer flights will have larger aircraft this year (757?)
- If the airport station had greater use and passenger numbers were higher, they'd support it with a bus service.
- They will be revisiting the Sunderland Air Show traffic to try and get them back
- Were unable to keep hold of Aer Arann/Aer Lingus because ash cloud had a knock on effect, and didn't give it enough time to work for the airline. They are looking at Dublin and Belfast routes for future.
- Had discussions with a Middle Eastern carrier to start Asian route from one of the Peel airports - it could be here.
- Ryanair won't return in the short term. Doesn't believe Heathrow or Gatwick flights will return; other London airports possible.
- Discussing 'Friends of Durham Tees Valley Airport' with local enthusiasts soon to promote the airport in the community
- Making repairs to the Terminal roof, which has been bad for some time
- GA activity is the "heart and soul of the place". They want to see the flying school succeed and will support them.