Originally Posted by
Fairdealfrank
The point is, that like the estuary airport, that ship sailed decades ago.
First, Leeds and the surrounding area cannot support another "second" airport, especially when its current second airport is as big and busy as Ringway.
Second, Church Fenton is not a good business proposition as long as Yeadon stays open.
Third, Yeadon cannot be closed without shareholders' agreement as it's privately owned. Shades of Heathrow v. Boris.
Fourth, the railway to Church Fenton can also be the railway to Ringway.
Fifth, the risible idea of Yeadon and Church Fenton competing brings up images of two bald men fighting over a comb.
Unfortunate, perhaps, as in theory, Church Fenton looks a good site with advantages over Yeadon. If starting from scratch Church Fenton could be a goer, but we're not, so it isn't.
Just to clarify Iam not talking about Yeadon and Church Fenton competing actually it's the complete opposite; Yorkshire needs just one airport but it needs to be in the best location and well connected and that's why Church Fenton would be ideal. Yes MAN is on the same railway line but given the option of a 'proper' airport in Yorkshire the people of Yorkshire would not want to travel there. Certainly Yeadon is a 'bald man' and so is finningley but Church Fenton is far from bald and offers huge potential.
My real annoyance is with your 'that ship has sailed' attitude. In aviation terms the Yorkshire 'ship' hasn't even got out of port and probably resembles that ship in the solent right now. As we go forward into the next 20, 40, 60 years the population of Yorkshire with its big cities and large area of attractive living land in North / East Yorkshire will surge past 6 million and therefore maket forces will demand an airport that can do the job and doesn't require 1-2 hour train journey. If everyone can work together for the greater good of all Yorkshire people then an airport at Church Fenton should be at least begun immediately.