Sadly Beatts is correct, as was SWBKCB about the latest short-notice delay in opening the airport to other users, including GA. The full press release is as follows:
We received notification over the weekend that Carlisle Airport will not re-open on Monday 4th June 2018. We have been very patient over the past 7 months with the airport operator Stobart Aviation, having reviewed the options and impact on our business it’s clear that we are unable to return to flying at Carlisle Airport.
We are disappointed in the way Stobart Aviation have both managed and communicated the runway upgrades. Initially the project was 6 weeks, then 2 months, then 6 months - we are now in our 7th month of this fiasco and we are not able to return to normal operations.
Border Air’s Managing Director Graeme Frater said: “Carlisle Airport not being open for the past 6 months has had a detrimental effect on our business. Today we reluctantly take the decision to shut our operation at Carlisle Airport permanently.”
“This is hugely disappointing for everyone, especially our customers”
“We’re working hard to inform all customers and we completely appreciate the frustration this news may cause.”
“All customers will be given the opportunity to fly from Cumbernauld & Oban Airports”
Last week Kate Willard, Head of Corporate Projects for Stobart Group, said: “It is with enormous regret that we must advise that the launch of scheduled services from Carlisle Lake District Airport has been delayed.”
Border Air have been offering flight training services from Carlisle Airport since 1991 and recently acquired by the Cloud Global Group which has seen significant investment in the business however the latest news that the airport isn’t returning to normal operations is the final straw.
Graeme added, “We would like to thank everyone involved with Border Air for your patience during the past 6 months, particular praise to Kirkbride Airfield for accommodating us at short notice this year, today’s announcement will also see the end of Kirkbride Airfield as our temporary base”
All staff, employees and contractors will have the opportunity to continue working within our group at either Cumbernauld, Oban or Perth Airport.
We wish all staff, colleagues, friends, loyal customers and members all the best for the future.
Regards
Graeme Frater - Border Air