A new airport.... South Yorkshire Airport City?

Doncaster Sheffield Airport Strategic Review Announcement​

Forums4airports discusses the latest press release from Doncaster Sheffield airport where the airport questions the future of the airport. The owners of the airport, the Peel Group have announced they are looking at their options as the group has decided the airport is no longer viable as an operational airport. Here's the press release:

"The Board of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has begun a review of strategic options for the Airport. This review follows lengthy deliberations by the Board of DSA which has reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.

DSA’s owner, the Peel Group, as the Airport’s principal funder, has reviewed the conclusions of the Board of DSA and commissioned external independent advice in order to evaluate and test the conclusions drawn, which concurs with the Board’s initial findings.

Since the Peel Group acquired the Airport site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005, significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations, both in relation to the original conversion and subsequently to improve the facilities and infrastructure on offer to create an award winning airport.

However, despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable and this fundamental issue of a shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement on 10 June 2022 of the unilateral withdrawal of the Wizz Air based aircraft, leaving the Airport with only one base carrier, namely TUI.

This challenge has been increased by other changes in the aviation market, the well-publicised impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly important environmental considerations. It has therefore been concluded that aviation activity may no longer be the use for the site which delivers the maximum economic and environmental benefit to the region. Against this backdrop, DSA and the Peel Group, will initiate a consultation and engagement programme with stakeholders on the future of the site and how best to maximise and capitalise on future economic growth opportunities for Doncaster and the wider Sheffield City Region.

The wider Peel Group is already delivering significant development and business opportunities on its adjoining GatewayEast development including the recent deal for over 400,000 sq ft logistics and advanced manufacturing development on site, creating hundreds of new jobs and delivering further economic investment in the region.

Robert Hough, Chairman of Peel Airports Group, which includes Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “It is a critical time for aviation globally. Despite pandemic related travel restrictions slowly drawing to a close, we are still facing ongoing obstacles and dynamic long-term threats to the future of the aviation industry. The actions by Wizz to sacrifice its base at Doncaster to shore up its business opportunities at other bases in the South of England are a significant blow for the Airport.

Now is the right time to review how DSA can best create future growth opportunities for Doncaster and for South Yorkshire. The Peel Group remains committed to delivering economic growth, job opportunities and prosperity for Doncaster and the wider region.”

DSA and the Peel Group pride themselves on being forward-thinking whilst prioritising the welfare of staff and customers alike. As such, no further public comments will be made whilst they undertake this engagement period with all stakeholders.
During the Strategic Review, the Airport will operate as normal. Therefore passengers who are due to travel to the airport, please arrive and check in as normal. If there are any disruptions with your flight, you will be contacted by your airline in good time.
For all press enquiries, please contact Charlotte Leach at [email protected]."

"Not great news for DSA or the region"

Should the government or local council foot the bill and provide a financial subsidy to keep the airport open, thoughts...?

 

“The government has committed to establishing 13 Investment Zones across the UK. At Spring Budget 2023, 8 areas in England were invited to co-develop an Investment Zone proposal with government:

• Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
• Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA)
• North East Combined Authority (NECA)
• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)
• West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)
• East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)
• Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA)

All 8 Investment Zones in England are expected to commence operation in financial year 2024-25”

Investment Zones in England

Information and guidance on Investment Zones operating within England.

www.gov.uk

And as I said of greater importance to any cargo operation is Freeport status which both EMA and MME benefit from……

And as I was saying about Freeport’s this news comes out….https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/huge-plans-land-near-east-9345339

 

Outcome from today’s cabinet meeting as expected.

Perhaps someone with public sector procurement experience could explain in layman’s terms so this idiot (I.e me) can try get his head around it..?

#SouthYorkshireAirportCity Programme - Next Stages APPROVED

We continue to make considerable progress on our plan to save and reopen our airport. #SaveDSA

I have reported previously how the signing of the lease for 125 years marks a considerable milestone in Doncaster future economic prosperity; and that we cannot simply rest on our laurels if we are all truly going to collectively achieve our South Yorkshire Airport City concept, recognising that the decisions taken today and in the future will be instrumental in providing the structure to be an anchor for other aviation-related industries, helping to put Doncaster and South Yorkshire at the forefront of sustainable aviation related technologies.

It is on that basis the report to Doncaster Council Cabinet on the South Yorkshire Airport City programme, detailing how the council is currently engaged in a European Procurement Process to appoint an operator with the ability and experience to take the steps necessary to reopen the airport, return it to profitability and to take forward the South Yorkshire Airport City concept. The report clearly articulates the decision-making timescales as well as the other associated activities required prior to the conclusion of the procurement process.

As such the report recommends the delegated authority to be given to the Council’s Director of Corporate Resources in consultation with me to ratify the outcome of the Procurement Process and to agree such contractual and other legal documentation that are necessary to conclude the project. This is all part of our carefully managed plan and the necessary processes involved.

Recognising the procurement process is hugely complex and detailed, and the threat of the removal of our airspace I am keen we make the necessary steps to reopen the airport, return it to profitability and to take forward the South Yorkshire Airport City concept which is a wider programme of economic growth and regeneration for Doncaster and UK plc.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team of officers and our external aviation and legal advisors for progressing with this incredibly challenging and complex piece of work.

A reopened airport has incredible potential for Doncaster and I truly believe it can be the jewel in the crown of the economy for Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

#DoncasterIsGreat #Delivering4Doncaster #SaveDSA #saveDSA SAVE Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Am I now right in thinking that, as the second stage of the procurement process has now officially been completed as of 17th June (after extension) the approval to progress to stage 3 has been granted? Stage 3 being the final 2 (?) bidders proposals will be scrutinised prior to selecting the preferred partner/investor/operator (delete as appropriate) and that the Council Director of Corporate Resources is the person/department that is responsible for completing this work?

Ros has stated timeline to contract signing is September, I feel that’s very optimistic given all the due diligence required on both sides, and the ensuing legal and contractual considerations. Perhaps I’m misunderstanding?

Ros can’t help mentioning CAS yet again, I really don’t see why this matters so much to an operator at this stage, it’s a formality. Perhaps a budding operator is concerned that once it’s gone it’s going to be tough to make an argument to regain it due to relatively low CAT throughput?

What do people make of it?

 

Outcome from today’s cabinet meeting as expected.

Perhaps someone with public sector procurement experience could explain in layman’s terms so this idiot (I.e me) can try get my head around it..?



Am I now right in thinking that, as the second stage of the procurement process has now officially been completed as of 17th June (after extension) the approval to progress to stage 3 has been granted? Stage 3 being the final 2 (?) bidders proposals will be scrutinised prior to selecting the preferred partner/investor/operator (delete as appropriate) and that the Council Director of Corporate Resources is the person/department that is responsible for completing this work?

Ros has stated timeline to contract signing is September, I feel that’s very optimistic given all the due diligence required on both sides, and the ensuing legal and contractual considerations. Perhaps I’m misunderstanding?

Ros can’t help mentioning CAS yet again, I really don’t see why this matters so much to an operator at this stage, it’s a formality. Perhaps a budding operator is concerned that once it’s gone it’s going to be tough to make an argument to regain it due to relatively low CAT throughput?

What do people make of it?

I would think you are probably reading it right.

Twice there is reference to returning the airport to profitability. My understanding is that in the 17 years it was open it never made a profit, so the wording being used is misleading. There is also reference to sustainable aviation technologies but no reference at all to passenger services. I can't help but think that behind the scenes CDC are recognising that a new DSA is only going to be a success if it attracts a variety of different aviation businesses with less emphasis on passenger throughput, but that conflicts with Ros Jones' continual wittering on about airspace. It certainly doesn't need all the airspace it controlled previously and the introduction of any airspace changes shouldn't be delayed just because DSA might one day re-opened.

 

I would think you are probably reading it right.
Twice there is reference to returning the airport to profitability. My understanding is that in the 17 years it was open it never made a profit, so the wording being used is misleading. There is also reference to sustainable aviation technologies but no reference at all to passenger services. I can't help but think that behind the scenes CDC are recognising that a new DSA is only going to be a success if it attracts a variety of different aviation businesses with less emphasis on passenger throughput, but that conflicts with Ros Jones' continual wittering on about airspace. It certainly doesn't need all the airspace it controlled previously and the introduction of any airspace changes shouldn't be delayed just because DSA might one day re-opened.

According to the mechanic, the airspace issue is being pushed by the aviation consultants CDC have appointed to help them build the business case and advise them. Perhaps not such a concern with the bidders if he happens to be correct.

 

According to the mechanic, the airspace issue is being pushed by the aviation consultants CDC have appointed to help them build the business case and advise them. Perhaps not such a concern with the bidders if he happens to be correct.

Probably the consultants way to try and drive up the value of the site…..misguided if you ask me given the CAA will no doubt want to review if going forward anyway….
Re your question about procurement process, yes you are correct however commercials still won’t have been finalised and there will still be some negotiation. Add to that contractuals and other unknowns I still maintain this deal will not be finalised this year…..Ros Jones is living in cloud cuckoo land with her timescales….

 

Probably the consultants way to try and drive up the value of the site…..misguided if you ask me given the CAA will no doubt want to review if going forward anyway….
Re your question about procurement process, yes you are correct however commercials still won’t have been finalised and there will still be some negotiation. Add to that contractuals and other unknowns I still maintain this deal will not be finalised this year…..Ros Jones is living in cloud cuckoo land with her timescales….

Would the length of process depend on whether the winning bid is for an operator or an investor? I would assume an agreement would be relatively straight forward if it was just an operator, accepting the obvious due diligence over public funding? Still hard to see how they will encourage anyone to part with cash, particularly if this company is answerable to shareholders.

 

According to the mechanic, the airspace issue is being pushed by the aviation consultants CDC have appointed to help them build the business case and advise them. Perhaps not such a concern with the bidders if he happens to be correct.

Yet the Consultants will know that the airspace issue isn't really an issue so why CDC are making such a thing of it is anyone's guess. I see a question was asked about it on the gentleman mechanics site which received good factual answers. It seems unlikely that the airspace will return in its original form. I think everyone is in agreement here that the 'bids' from the best 2 will now be considered and the 'winner' should be announced end July/August according to the timetable. Then the negotiations start which I suspect, cutting to the chase will revolve around how much subsidy the Council/SYMA can afford to give and for how long in order to de-risk the situation for the operator. I would imagine that negotiation could take a while!

 

the change from operator to investor ?

Now, the council is working to secure a new investor. In the new report, the council shared that investors had submitted their bids and investment plans to the council earlier this week.
There will now be an "intense period of evaluation" in which the council will work to identify the best of these proposals. This process is set to conclude at the end of July.
Afterwards, the chosen investor will be informed in late July or early August, and Mayor Ros Jones will announce the decision to the public shortly afterwards.

 

Its ironic that the Labour council are gunning to get this reopened but any other UK airport expansion, everyone is against. Where is GaLBA sticking there 2 pence in to try and stop this? like they have done with every other UK expansion? its ironic that they pick and choose when its convenient for them.

 

Its ironic that the Labour council are gunning to get this reopened but any other UK airport expansion, everyone is against. Where is the group that shall not be mentioned sticking there 2 pence in to try and stop this? like they have done with every other UK expansion? its ironic that they pick and choose when its convenient for them.

They’re trying to mitigate it by calling it a sustainable aviation hub (but not elaborating on what they actually mean), and also because not many people live near it so you don’t get the usual NIMBY hijacking on the back of any genuine environmental concerns. Plus Doncaster is relatively economically challenged, and the people in Doncaster tend to be quite a proud bunch so they feel that having their airport back will regenerate the area, so political capital is to be made on the back of this.

That would be my guess anyway.

 

So with built up rumours of Doncaster airport close to reopening.Could we see a new airline….
You’ve got options of
EasyJet
Tui
Jet2
Ryanair
Aer lingus

Firstly the airport needs a based airline and for me it’s gotta be Ryanair .Very local airline that flys in and out of Europe.Reckon a 3 based aircraft 737-800

Maybe aer lingus could operate a Belfast route on a daily routine

Loganair a weekly Isle of Man

Those 3 airlines would be the correct start in my opinion

 

So with built up rumours of Doncaster airport close to reopening.Could we see a new airline….
You’ve got options of
EasyJet
Tui
Jet2
Ryanair
Aer lingus

Firstly the airport needs a based airline and for me it’s gotta be Ryanair .Very local airline that flys in and out of Europe.Reckon a 3 based aircraft 737-800

Maybe aer lingus could operate a Belfast route on a daily routine

Loganair a weekly Isle of Man

Those 3 airlines would be the correct start in my opinion

Soooo,

Jet2 have stated they will not open any more bases and its too close to LBA/EMA.
easyJet have tried and failed.
Ryanair have had the odd route, if the price is right like Teeside, maybe but a big operation? Nope.
TUI likely, will it be a x4/5 based operation? i highly doubt it considering they are sourcing x20 ACMI AC this summer, with very few of their own left on order until the MAX 10 which is years off. Id say a token gesture W patterned services if anything. How can they commit and invest to an airport which is likely to shut in a couple of years again.
Aer Lingus have tried and failed.

struggling to see anything passed TUI.

Wizz stated they're happy at LBA.

every airline have had 17 years to do anything at DSA and only TUI / Wizz EU seemed to have had success. Says it all and that wont change.

so there you have it.. not a lot if you ask me

 

Its ironic that the Labour council are gunning to get this reopened but any other UK airport expansion, everyone is against. Where is the group that shall not be mentioned sticking there 2 pence in to try and stop this? like they have done with every other UK expansion? its ironic that they pick and choose when its convenient for them.

Maybe they think the airport won't open.
Their strategy is to develop DSA (which they do not live near) and close down LBA (which they do live near).
WH is correct, they are NIMBY's

 

So with built up rumours of Doncaster airport close to reopening.Could we see a new airline….
You’ve got options of
EasyJet
Tui
Jet2
Ryanair
Aer lingus

Firstly the airport needs a based airline and for me it’s gotta be Ryanair .Very local airline that flys in and out of Europe.Reckon a 3 based aircraft 737-800

Maybe aer lingus could operate a Belfast route on a daily routine

Loganair a weekly Isle of Man

Those 3 airlines would be the correct start in my opinion

Impossible to even gauge until we know who the operator is and have an idea of what their intentions are. Might not be much of a focus on airlines..

If airlines are a target then I’d place a TUI and easyjet base as priorities as an assumption based on their current lack of much of a presence in this part of the world.

 

Impossible to even gauge until we know who the operator is and have an idea of what their intentions are. Might not be much of a focus on airlines..

If airlines are a target then I’d place a TUI and easyjet base as priorities as an assumption based on their current lack of much of a presence in this part of the world.

A lot will depend of what of any subsidies are offered…… DSA supporters seem to believe airlines will simply up sticks and move there from LBA, EMA and even MAN….It just doesn’t work like that even with subsidies and incentives. Airlines work hard to build up and develop a market at a base, do people really think they’d chuck all that away and move especially to an airport with a history such as DSA…..

 

Impossible to even gauge until we know who the operator is and have an idea of what their intentions are. Might not be much of a focus on airlines..

If airlines are a target then I’d place a TUI and easyjet base as priorities as an assumption based on their current lack of much of a presence in this part of the world.

easyJet have been to DSA in the past and like the rest, failed. With LBA being developed as we speak and easyJet slowly increasing their (as yet very moderate) presence there , they are more likely to look at LBA than DSA.

 

A lot will depend of what of any subsidies are offered…… DSA supporters seem to believe airlines will simply up sticks and move there from LBA, EMA and even MAN….It just doesn’t work like that even with subsidies and incentives. Airlines work hard to build up and develop a market at a base, do people really think they’d chuck all that away and move especially to an airport with a history such as DSA…..

Some might given the right incentives, but it’s a big gamble because the likes of EMA and LBA serve larger populations. The catchment area can grow if they get enough operators to focus on DSA. TUI did, Wizzair managed it (not U.K.), Easyjet could, if they were so inclined, have a fairly sizeable base there if they wanted to and if they were confident of being able to attract enough people away from the other big cities like Nottingham and Leeds/Bradford.

All hypothetical though, whatever Peel may have done wrong (if anything) it certainly wasn’t anything to do with a lack of incentives and/or expensive landing and handling charges.

 

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Can quickly summarise that.

One company trying to sell their product.

One person who is a lecturer in ‘logistics’ at Sheffield University.

Neither are aviation consultants, particularly the latter who has posted some incredibly spurious suggestions for cargo operators (DHL and KLM!?) not to mention the passenger airlines that we have discussed to death on here.

One has a vested interest in sticking their boot in. Airports are cramped horrible places these days because it’s the only way for them to make any money.

The DFP should be going out to ask questions from a wider range of sources, if only to provide a bit of balance and better inform the readership.

File this article under free advertising.

 

DSA was rated most friendliest/effeicent because there was simply no passenger footfall, of course there is no queues... that isnt a good sign from a business prospective. Busy airports mean queues no matter where in the world.

DSA supporters are adamant Monarch will be back and going in.. Virgin wanted to base there.. all pie in the sky laughable opinions which will never happen.

Get DSA open, x2/3 based TUI there, will this take away queues from LBA/EMA/MAN? nope not at all. sooo where do we go from here?

Eastern may make an appearance to operate empty flights to DUB/BHD with heavy subsidiaries..

 

DSA was rated most friendliest/effeicent because there was simply no passenger footfall, of course there is no queues... that isnt a good sign from a business prospective. Busy airports mean queues no matter where in the world.

DSA supporters are adamant Monarch will be back and going in.. Virgin wanted to base there.. all pie in the sky laughable opinions which will never happen.

Get DSA open, x2/3 based TUI there, will this take away queues from LBA/EMA/MAN? nope not at all. sooo where do we go from here?

Eastern may make an appearance to operate empty flights to DUB/BHD with heavy subsidiaries..

Better not tell them then that Monarch were advertising for A320 family crews based at Luton, Birmingham Manchester and Leeds. Not that it's likely to happen, but if it does, it won't be at DSA MkII.