From today's Northern Echo:
9:28am Wednesday 31st December 2008
DURHAM Tees Valley Airport is one of the UK’s smaller airports but its strategic significance to the region should not be underestimated.
An international airport – even one of modest size – is vitally important to businesses in Teesside and South Durham.
Ten years ago, One NorthEast provoked outrage when it dared suggest Newcastle became the east of Pennines passenger hub, while Teesside – as it was then – concentrated on freight.
The development agency’s draft transport strategy was hastily withdrawn and since then no one has dared to suggest anything less than a level playing field for both airports.
Peel Holdings, the majority shareholder in Durham Tees Valley (DTV), has played its part.
The company already had a proven track record in regional airport redevelopment when it took over operations at Teesside in 2000.
Phase one of a £56m redevelopment, including a much improved terminal, has already been completed and the airfield lighting has been replaced.
A second planning application has also been approved for a business park, hotel, pub and restaurant.
But predictions by former managing director Hugh Lang that DTV would be as big as Newcastle by 2015 look hopelessly optimistic now.
DTV has suffered a series of setbacks since 2006. Bmibaby is long gone, while both Ryanair and Thompson have reduced flights. Now flyglobespan is reviewing its operations. In the face of a global recession, who would bet against the airline walking away?
If it does, we trust the decision will not shake Peel’s confidence in DTV’s future.
First-class air transport links are an essential factor for successful inward investment. A thriving Durham Tees Valley Airport would be a major lure for new investors, with the prosperity they could bring to our region.