I have said that there is a good potential market for freight in Carslisle. That doesn't mean that it will be economical, especially in these "cost concious" days.
Let's be fair, how much is airfreight these days? To send a fully loaded artic from Manchester to Glasgow is in the £400 - 500 ball park depending on who you ask. How much would it cost to move 32 tonnes of goods on that route by air??
Because prices in the haulage industry have been driven into the ground over the years, in part perpetuated by Stobart themselves, the margins are that narrow, the customers have a whip hand, and will change haulier at the drop of a hat to save 50p per load. Within the UK there is no particular benefit other than rush goods. To look at it objectively, take a 1 tonne box of freight on the afore mentioned route.
It leaves your premesis in a truck and is driven to destination in about 4 or so hours, delivered to the door for about £450 or thereabouts.
Or take it to the local airport (haulage charge) have it packed for air transport (handlers cost) have it loaded on the plane (cost of a loader) fly the freight to Glasgow (air transport cost) unload it at destination, then have it delivered to the customer. All involve a cost, take time, I imagine that it would be cheaper, and certainly quicker to move those goods purely by road.
Now goods coming from near Europe are another matter, it is effective as it can take 2 days to get an artic back from France, and the best part of a week from Southern Spain. 3 or so hours by air, definate benefit.
This whole idea has the potential to create good things for the airport, the local community and could be a win-win all round, if done right.
The remaining question is, will it be done right?????