Statement re possible closure at Blackpool Airport
This one is from Pool Aviation/Hangar 3:
Statement re possible closure at Blackpool Airport
Re: Errigal Operation Based at Blackpool
We are writing this letter to you as a loyal customer of Pool, following a presentation that we have attended at Blackpool Airport at 1.30pm today. This was hosted by Stewart Orrell, MD of the Infrastructure Division of Balfour Beatty, the owner of Blackpool Airport.
You may have noticed that the Balfour Beatty Group has been having problems, including its third CEO in just over a year and a fourth profits warning of £75m this morning. As mentioned, the airport is owned by the Infrastructure part of Balfour Beatty (its most valuable division). However, the Airport still loses over £2m a year. Balfour’s have gone out to find a purchaser for the operating business and that process has been unsuccessful.
On 16 October the Airport may close as a Category 7 airport meaning no possibly no more Jet2 flights. The airport staff will be made redundant that day with the airport remaining open from the next day at a reduced level of category. We are told, and believe Balfour Beatty, that within weeks it will be back up and running at an operational level to support Pool Aviation and Bond (the helicopter & Irish Sea rigs company).
Moving on, our understanding is one buyer has progressed talks with Balfour Beatty and the sale is likely to conclude within the next two weeks. The buyer currently operates other airports.
In short, and with all the knowledge available, Pool will continue in the medium and long term to operate out of Blackpool but will, possibly, have a hiccough in October and may have to operate from Manchester, Liverpool or Warton for a short period.
Many thanks for your loyal support and apologies for any short term disruption but, as ever, we will endeavour to reduce the impact upon your trip in every way possible.
Pool Aviation NW Ltd.
AFN