Hopefully the terminal is still there. I wonder if they could attract Eastern or Loganair to operate some flights.
 
Hopefully the terminal is still there. I wonder if they could attract Eastern or Loganair to operate some flights.

Maybe Loganair perhaps they seem to be expanding in there own right. I'd like to see them offer some Scottish links from Liverpool, Aberdeen being one which is inserved.
 
The terminal has gone...a new building in its place for Lancashire Energy. Just a portacabin now for Blackpool Airport admin.
 
So if they were looking at getting it up and running as a passenger airport they'd need to build a new terminal. Are they willing to spend the money required for it?
 
Maybe they are concentrating on light aircraft ....i don' know if rig flights still go from there. Its quite sudden really the demise of Blackpool Airport for passenger flights. Before the ' new' terminal used by Ryanair and Jet2 in recent past...there was a very small old terminal, I remember watching Jersey European Short 360 heading for IOM/BHD.
 
My first commercial flight was from BLK to IOM on a British United (CI) Airways Herald in 1966
 
The problem with Blackpool airport now is they're building too much around the airport. If the airport is to maintain a long term future the council needs to safeguard land around the airport.
 
I think that the council has accepted that commercial flights are unlikely to operate again.
 
The problem with Blackpool airport now is they're building too much around the airport. If the airport is to maintain a long term future the council needs to safeguard land around the airport.

There is a big Morrison store close by, I believe that was airport land.
 
Yes it was that's true. I have to go to Blackpool for work ever so often and if often pass the airport for a bit of a look...its a bit sad nothing commecial operation now , the airport is still running but no passnger servics now.
 
Maybe some hope for commercial operations from BLK.

InterCity Airways – A New Horizon for Blackpool?

Aviation Wales exclusively talks to Intercity Airways about the new start-up
Apr 28, 2018 William Hogarth Features, New Routes, News
MORE ON:BlackpoolBlackpool AirportInterCity Airways
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Very few people will realise that the birthplace of aviation in the UK was actually at Blackpool Airport in the North West of England. It’s history dates right back to 1909 when the first official aviation meeting took place at the current Squires Gate site. It’s fair to say that in the last 109 years the face of aviation has changed considerably and that is certainly true of Blackpool.

Blackpool’s history with aviation may be rich but it’s commercial passenger flights have suffered considerably in that time. The airport hasn’t had a commercial passenger flight since the untimely demise of Citywing in March 2017 after suffering several problems with finances and with aircraft. The airline had offered a service from Blackpool to the Isle of Man, an air-link first established in 1935 and one that had been unbroken except during the war.

The problems affecting Blackpool have been ongoing for many years following a management take over by Balfour Beatty in 2008 which then saw the airport’s passenger numbers drop. The drop was caused by a series of poor management and airline decisions as well as the financial recession. In 2014 it seemed all was lost when Balfour Beatty declared the airport bankrupt and closed it in October of that year. Thankfully this was short lived and the airport was able to open just a few weeks later with a new business plan and vision. Sadly that vision made it difficult to include passenger flights once the airports main terminal building was demolished in 2015.

However, It now seems that all of that misfortune at Blackpool could be over as a new regional airline is planning to launch from Blackpool Airport. InterCity Airways is the brainchild of Bradley Gosney and Paul Vernon, both of them are pilots at Blackpool and both heavily involved in the aviation sector. They are aiming to start services from Blackpool to destinations across the UK and Ireland.

InterCity Airways is initially planning to launch services using another airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) but has aspirations to obtain its own aircraft and its own AOC once the airline is more established in the future.

I was able to speak with one of the airline’s Directors, Bradley Gosney about his plans and vision for the fledgeling airline. It is clear that Bradley and Paul are committed to making this airline the much-needed success that Blackpool needs. He explained to me that they are currently seeking investors to provide the initial capital to launch and he told me that they have already gained significant investment from someone who has a vast wealth of knowledge within the industry. Bradley went on to say that they are now speaking with several other potential investors.

Bradley said “We are very keen and committed to reintroducing flights from Blackpool Airport to destinations across the UK & Ireland, many of the destinations we have chosen have options for onward travel further afield with other airlines, including an option to fly onto the USA. We believe that Blackpool Airport is an ideal location for our airline as its small, friendly and convenient for passengers. Blackpool is also the UK’s most popular tourist destination with over 18 million tourists visiting the resort every year.

He told me that initial talks have already been carried out with Blackpool Airports management and Bradley said they are keen to help InterCity resume air service from the resort’s airport.

[img width="547" height="395" class="wp-image-6620 size-full" alt="Saab 340" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.aviationwales.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab-340.jpg?zoom=1.5625&resize=547%2C395&ssl=1" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" scale="1.5625" src-orig="https://i1.wp.com/www.aviationwales.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab-340.jpg?resize=1024%2C740&ssl=1" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/www.aviationwales.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab-340.jpg?zoom=1.5625&resize=547%2C395&ssl=1" data-attachment-id="6620" data-permalink="https://www.aviationwales.com/intercity-airways-a-new-horizon-for-blackpool/saab-340/" data-orig-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.aviationwales.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab-340.jpg?fit=1024%2C740&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1024,740" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}' data-image-title="Saab 340" data-image-description="

" data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.aviationwales.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab-340.jpg?fit=300%2C217&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.aviationwales.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saab-340.jpg?fit=1024%2C740&ssl=1">

The Saab 340 has proved popular in the UK domestic Market for airlines such as Loganair. (Image: Martin J.Galloway/CC BY-SA3.0)
It is hoped that InterCity Airways will be able to begin service before the end of this year. The airline is expecting to launch its routes using a single Saab 340 aircraft that will enable them to carry 33 or 34 passengers. Bradley said they had already conducted talks with the planned airline and have now agreed to the terms of the lease. However, he said he couldn’t disclose all of the details about the airline just yet.

He hinted to me that the initial route could be to the Isle of Man but said a full announcement about what destinations are planned is set to be made within the next few weeks.

The airline has already gained plenty of support from local people and businesses who are excited about the possible return of commercial flights from the resort. I spoke with local resident Paul Webster who is also involved in the ‘Save Blackpool Airport’ campaign group that fought for Blackpool Airport to be saved and now continue to help promote the site. Paul said “Blackpool Airport is a great facility that has been neglected for many years by the former owners. The airport used to provide excellent operations all over Europe and was very popular with Blackpool residents as well as many others from the surrounding area. While we may not get Jet2 back it’s very encouraging to see InterCity trying to start operations. They will do well and have a lot of support from the Save Blackpool Airport Group as well as the local businesses and people.”

While it still seems a long way off launching it is clear that Bradley and those involved in the airline are working hard to make this new venture work. Regional airports are fast becoming the preferred option for the travelling public because of their friendly hassle free atmosphere and Blackpool should be no exception. Prior to its closure in 2014 the passenger numbers were starting to rise and its flights had very healthy load factors. It is clear that demand for flights is there but the airport’s owners have made it difficult for airlines to launch flights due to its current lack of infrastructure.

We certainly wish InterCity Airways the very best of luck and will be following their progress closely.

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A similar situation to Plymouth Airport in some ways with an enthusiastic group, including aviation professionals, convinced that airport could re-open successfully, initially in a small way perhaps along the lines of this venture (assuming it comes off).
 
A similar situation to Plymouth Airport in some ways with an enthusiastic group, including aviation professionals, convinced that airport could re-open successfully, initially in a small way perhaps along the lines of this venture (assuming it comes off).

There has always been Irish Sea flights from Blackpool I'm sure there is a demand.
 
Does anyone know how to get a list of what aircraft took part in the airshow this weekend? Sunday was very poor actually with the BBMF not turning up, Dead Sparrows doing a reduced display and mainly other small tiddlers doing lots of aerobatic stuff. The Mustang was probably the best part of the show.
 
The man who helped pilot recent major investment and infrastructure improvements at Carlisle airport has been taken on at Blackpool as airport manager.

Stephen Smith brings more than 13 years of aviation industry experience to the post and more than 20 years’ experience within the leisure, travel and tourism industry.

He joins Blackpool Airport from Carlisle Airport, where he was airport manager, and has held previous roles with Liverpool John Lennon Airport and TUI Airlines.

His most recent experience saw him steering through a major programme of capital investment and infrastructure improvements at Carlisle Airport.

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Stephen’s arrival at Blackpool comes as the position of airport manager has been enhanced to a full-time role, recognising the airport’s ambitions to grow its operations and play a key role in the development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

He said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Blackpool Airport as we look to implement a strategy for sustainable growth at the airport.

“We want to build on our established position as an important regional hub and work closely with Blackpool Borough Council to ensure the airport helps drive the success and economic opportunities offered by the Enterprise Zone.”

Regional & City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc, manages Blackpool Airport on behalf of owners Blackpool Borough Council.


Blackpool Airport has a long history, dating back to 1909, as one of the first aviation sites in the UK.

Airline Jet2.com was forced to shut down all holiday flights from Squires Gate when owner Balfour Beatty closed the airfield and terminal in 2014.

Today the airport is a thriving airfield supporting helicopter services to off-shore installations and extensive general aviation operations.

In 2016 Enterprise Zone status was awarded to the Blackpool Airport site with a commitment to its long-term use as an aviation hub in addition to transforming the airport.
 
Still interest to bring Blackpool back into passenger operations. They may have been hasty to demoliish a reasonably modern terminal building.

Give us a new Blackpool Airport or we'll boot you out of power Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone DIGITAL REPORTER Email Published: 17:12 Thursday 30 August 2018 Share this article 5 HAVE YOUR SAY Re Facebook comments in the Gazette (Your Say, August 28).

I suggest when it is time for the local elections and because they do not listen to public opinions, we firstly obtain a list of the councillors who are in favour of getting the airport up and running again like it was in 2014, with 235,000 passengers passing through on several flights per day . Then we obtain a list of the councillors who seem to be against the up and running of the airport. I suggest we boot those lot out and vote in fresh blood who will listen to what the public really want. What is needed is a new departure lounge building like the one that we had before until some comedians decided to demolish it. It served us well with all the jet 2 flights that were available and gave us a first class service.

With a new manager now installed who has got Carlisle airport up and running again let us just hope that he can knock some sense into this council and attempt to put Blackpool International Airport back to what it was before. Surely the current government who support local regional airports could come up with some funding. Manchester airport is so busy and chaotic with long queues waiting to pass through passport control etc. Liverpool airport is thriving, as a lot of Fylde coast and Lancashire and Cumbria customers now use it, but that now is getting busier. So councillors, come on! Never mind the tramway system that nobody seems to want... once and for all please do listen to what public opinion wants .

Read more at: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/...port-or-we-ll-boot-you-out-of-power-1-9327643
 

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Well over 4 million steps taken this year already. And about 12,500 photos.
The joys of travel. Train from Edinburgh to Leeds is cancelled so having another night in Edinburgh and heading back in the morning!
Tbf Edinburgh isn't a bad city to be stuck in.
A week off work done which resulted in 6 day trips , 50 miles walked and only 2500 photos, Going to work is more of a holiday as I tended to be out of my flat an hour earlies in my week off and back for after 8pm
according to some people, you only need 1 day in each of the Yorkshire Dales, North Wales and Lake District "to have seen it all". Which is why its minibus tour number 3 this year of the Yorkshire Dales for me on 16th October. Different routes and different things to see each tour.
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