Lots of reasons to re-align - old runway shot to hell, sub-base, surface, infringements, and, not least, putting in ILS on runway 25 has approach design issues some 9 miles out on the edge of the RAF Spadeadam danger area. Also need to continue to operate while construction underway. Runway will be code 4d and about 1830m total length - anticipate aircraft types such as J41; ATR 42/72; Q400. Perhaps up to 5 rotations per day - 2 to London (Luton? Stansted?) - can't afford slots elsewhere, at least not to start with. perhaps DUB BHD SOU. AMS would be good for interlining med & long-haul.
Comments on pax are spot on - small catchment area will never deliver 75% loads for B737 ops, so no low cost carriers here. Planning application will go in late September. Hope for result by end of year. Works commence early 2008 and up and running early 2009. Very tough timescale.
www.carlisleairport.co.uk has lots of detail. Wish us luck!