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...?

 

I don't think its anti DSA, if there was a strong business case then I would support it, but I'm struggling to see how / if DSA reopened, if it would be any different / a success.. because its not.

Cargo? ok Cargo goes into EMA and goes very very well. an airport so close by, why would any operator want to shift to DSA & don't say Amazon, they didn't bother when the airport was open..

its a massive financial and commercial risk for any airline to commit to going back into DSA. TUI have said they're keen, that literally could of been a passing comment of oh yeh we will look at it. its highly commercial/ sensitive information which im sure any future operator wouldn't want to be out in public. Where are TUI going to get their aircraft from? take them out of MAN/EMA? let Jet2/Ryanair jump in their graves and take up the free stands at more lucrative airports?

there are plenty of UK airports that shouldn't be supported with public money and would be better to shut up shop.. MME, CWL, SEN, HUY to name a few. If they can survive and turn a profit from their own resources then great. but you see all these airport struggling, reopening another failed small airport.. is going to what? shut down very quick.

 

DSA catchment area 6.2 million within 60 minutes
LBA catchment area5.9 million within 60 minutes

You are being very selective with your facts…..the size of the market within 60mins travel times and over 120mins is far greater at LBA….add into the equation that this is before the rail link goes in at LBA in 2026. That will significantly increase the market especially to the South of the airport

passenger numbers at DSA are as irrelevant, as you mention planning for a rail link at LBA, that is not going to happen. i will wager you what you want , (given to the forum) theres a flight out of DSA, before , LBA gets a rail link.


amazon uses EMA and sends all its freight up to doncaster. its biggest center in northern england, 6 minutes from DSA, thats why they would

 

You are being very selective with your facts…..the size of the market within 60mins travel times and over 120mins is far greater at LBA….add into the equation that this is before the rail link goes in at LBA in 2026. That will significantly increase the market especially to the South of the airport


I’ll wager you DSA will be shut again before LBA gets a rail link

the rail link will not happen, it is still in planning stage, and the price as more than triple. can some one point me in direction of where it as been given the go ahead?

 

the rail link will not happen, it is still in planning stage, and the price as more than triple. can some one point me in direction of where it as been given the go ahead?

You believe what you want…..it’s been stated in the latest WYCA strategy that the rail link to LBA is happening and is slated to open in 2026. Add to that the restriction in growth at LBA hasn’t been the runway, local opposition or the local road network. It is the capacity of the terminal - that will be resolved from next spring when its capacity will increase by 45%.
You also make an interesting point about costs…..the longer DSA is closed the greater the costs will be to reopen it….add to that the risks around an oil price spike that are now apparent and the impact that will potentially have in aviation I think you will find the risks to the opening DSA are growing significantly each day!

 

the rail link will not happen, it is still in planning stage, and the price as more than triple. can some one point me in direction of where it as been given the go ahead?

The land required for the access roads has been bought via Compulsory Purchase, the project is in the final design stage, and only a month ago it was confirmed it was still expected to complete in 2026. Funding for it was put aside a couple of years ago.

You need to remember that the Parkway station is not just for LBA. It's also to service the proposed large scale industrial development next to the airport, and it's also providing a very much needed park and ride serving the Cookridge and NW Leeds area and relieving the pressure on Horsforth Station, which is Leeds' busiest suburban main line station but has very little parking.

It's a bit ironic that you accuse us of being negative about DSA ( I call it realistic) , yet you also take a negative line by stating the parkway station will not happen. We at least base our DSA doubts on the 17 year history of that airport, and a collective knowledge of aviation and how it works, but you clearly have no knowledge of the plans if the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, yet make a statement that it won't happen, without backing that statement up with facts. That's what I call negativity!

 

The land required for the access roads has been bought via Compulsory Purchase, the project is in the final design stage, and only a month ago it was confirmed it was still expected to complete in 2026. Funding for it was put aside a couple of years ago.

You need to remember that the Parkway station is not just for LBA. It's also to service the proposed large scale industrial development next to the airport, and it's also providing a very much needed park and ride serving the Cookridge and NW Leeds area and relieving the pressure on Horsforth Station, which is Leeds' busiest suburban main line station but has very little parking.

It's a bit ironic that you accuse us of being negative about DSA ( I call it realistic) , yet you also take a negative line by stating the parkway station will not happen. We at least base our DSA doubts on the 17 year history of that airport, and a collective knowledge of aviation and how it works, but you clearly have no knowledge of the plans if the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, yet make a statement that it won't happen, without backing that statement up with facts. That's what I call negativity!

my apologies , i did was lead to understand they had not put in for planning consent.

 

my apologies , i did was lead to understand they had not put in for planning consent.

They may not have done yet as the design has to be finalised first. They did an initial design, then sought local opinions and now they are working up the final design prior to final consultation. Once the design is final then they can seek planning approval but it should be an academic process as the Council want the station as much as the airport and WYCA (which after all includes representatives from Leeds City Council). It's a key part of their development plans.

Anyway, back to DSA..........

 

They may not have done yet as the design has to be finalised first. They did an initial design, then sought local opinions and now they are working up the final design prior to final consultation. Once the design is final then they can seek planning approval but it should be an academic process as the Council want the station as much as the airport and WYCA (which after all includes representatives from Leeds City Council). It's a key part of their development plans.

Anyway, back to DSA..........

i also believe it was Carillion that quoted for the work

 

the vulcan tours are on again at DSA
There are morning and afternoon slots available on April 28, May 12, May 19 and June 9. Ticket-holders are met at the Vulcan offices before being taken by coach to the apron where the aircraft is parked.

You need to post this in the thread entitled Vulcan Bomber rather than this thread.

 

You need to post this in the thread entitled Vulcan Bomber rather than this thread.

I've moved rabbitfoot's post to the Vulcan Bomber thread.

 

Nothing on here since April 16th!

Does that mean that the airport has got new operators or that it all has been kicked into touch and isn't going too well?

 

Nothing on here since April 16th!

Does that mean that the airport has got new operators or that it all has been kicked into touch and isn't going too well?

Still awaiting further updates, absolutely nothing new to report.

With Oliver Coppard being re elected he has of course used the oxygen of publicity to promote the reopening, he was interviewed today by local news outlets and has stated that the airport ‘could reopen as soon as this summer’. Of course reiterating that it takes time as they have to be sure they’re doing everything possible to protect the tax payer. Clearly not doing that much as the council are now paying for the lease!

I would expect that 2Excel may be deep in talks over recovering their aircraft to DSA as a priority, must be costing them a fair bit bolt holing them elsewhere, and there is nothing much stopping them operating from an unlicensed aerodrome. As for who the operator might be, that’s still not been announced but there is some belief that it may be just weeks away.

The mechanic did post an update today about how DSA will be competing with MAN soon, which kind of sets the tone for the press releases we are to expect in the coming months.

Til then we quietly await further.

 

Still awaiting further updates, absolutely nothing new to report.

With Oliver Coppard being re elected he has of course used the oxygen of publicity to promote the reopening, he was interviewed today by local news outlets and has stated that the airport ‘could reopen as soon as this summer’. Of course reiterating that it takes time as they have to be sure they’re doing everything possible to protect the tax payer. Clearly not doing that much as the council are now paying for the lease!

I would expect that 2Excel may be deep in talks over recovering their aircraft to DSA as a priority, must be costing them a fair bit bolt holing them elsewhere, and there is nothing much stopping them operating from an unlicensed aerodrome. As for who the operator might be, that’s still not been announced but there is some belief that it may be just weeks away.

The mechanic did post an update today about how DSA will be competing with MAN soon, which kind of sets the tone for the press releases we are to expect in the coming months.

Til then we quietly await further.

DSA competing with MAN, MAG must be quaking in their boots

 

The mechanic with no apparent previous interest in aviation who has somehow catapulted himself to stardom in his own eyes and the eyes of others its beyond belief forget rights and wrongs about DSA ever reopening for a moment frankly the man getting so close to anyone with an inkling of what is actually happening is beyond frightening it makes the whole process absolutely laughable. Maybe the new owners will be Morcombe and Wise.

I'm not sure he would know the difference between a 757 and a 767.

Coppard doesn't and never will convince me he's really that bothered if the airport reopens or not and that's his right and the right of anyone else for that matter, some of the stuff re the West Yorkshire mayor should support LBA more elsewhere on here is complete nonsense.

If OC isn't that bothered he really should come out and say so he just comes across as a real nice man who doesn't want to upset people.

 

there is a getout clause in the lease , and it will be another month until the subject of an air operater is mention again.

 

[QUOTE="Rob c DSA, post: 284219, member: 8799"

Coppard doesn't and never will convince me he's really that bothered if the airport reopens or not and that's his right and the right of anyone else for that matter, some of the stuff re the West Yorkshire mayor should support LBA more elsewhere on here is complete nonsense.

[/QUOTE]
Sorry but that really is nonsense!

The Mayor is responsible for transport, including that to and from the airport, and the least the WY Actress/Mayor could do is show some interest in LBA either way instead of sitting on her fence for another 4 years. How are we supposed to know what her views are when voting? For me, nobody gets my vote if they oppose LBA so I want to know if she's for, or against.

LBA is often criticised for its lack of transport and here we have a Mayor who is able to change that. The future mass transport system could have made tram links to LBA from Leeds and Bradford a priority, built in the first phase, but no, the first phase is going to a shopping centre - one already well served by buses and soon to have it's own rail station.

In South Yorkshire, Coppard has involved himself regarding DSAs 'resurrection' , and Houchen has done a lot for Teesside Airport , a key reason for him being re-elected. You say Coppard should come out and say if he's not interested really. Brabin has kept her mouth shut for 4 years, not telling anyone if she's for or against LBA. You want Coppard to be honest? Well that's exactly what we want Brabin to do too. She not supposed to be a lap dog to the Leeds Labour MPs who opposed any development at LBA. She can't directly influence what goes on at LBA but she can certainly influence the anti airport Labour MPs.

On a different, pure DSA matter, Coppard was just cross examined by Look North about whether spending £138m on DSA was good use of public funds, (in his view it is), but specifically asked why he thought he could do better with DSA when Peel had claimed it was not viable, his response was to say Peel aren't very good at running airports. A ridiculous statement coming from someone who hasn't a clue how to run an airport nor any experience in the world of civil aviation. Its not the sort of statement any Mayor should be making it they wish to be taken seriously.

 

Coppard was just cross examined by Look North about whether spending £138m on DSA was good use of public funds, (in his view it is), but specifically asked why he thought he could do better with DSA when Peel had claimed it was not viable. His response was to say Peel aren't very good at running airports. A ridiculous statement coming from someone who hasn't a clue how to run an airport nor any experience in the world of civil aviation.

[QUOTE="Rob c DSA, post: 284219, member: 8799"

Coppard doesn't and never will convince me he's really that bothered if the airport reopens or not and that's his right and the right of anyone else for that matter, some of the stuff re the West Yorkshire mayor should support LBA more elsewhere on here is complete nonsense.

Sorry but that is you talking nonsense!

The Mayor is responsible for transport and the least the WY Actress/Mayor could do is show some interest in LBA either way instead and f sitting in her fence for another 4 years. Coppard has involved himself regarding DSA, and Houchen has done a lot for Teesside, a key reason for him being re-elected. Few Tory Mayors can say that. You say Coppard should come out and say if he's not interested really yet Brabin has kept her mouth shut, sitting on the fence and not telling anyone if she's for or against LBA. So you want Coppard to be honest? Well that's exactly what we want Brabin to do too. She behaves like a lap dog to the Leeds Labour MPs who opposed any development .

On a different matter, Coppard was just cross examined by Look North about whether spending £138m on DSA was good use of public funds, (in his view it is), but specifically asked why he thought he could do better with DSA when Peel had claimed it was not viable. His response was to say Peel aren't very good at running airports. A ridiculous statement coming from someone who hasn't a clue how to run an airport nor any experience in the world of civil aviation.
[/QUOTE]

Didn’t catch Look North tonight, as far as I’m aware Coppard isn’t involved in the negotiations with airport operators, nor was he involved in the lease negotiations. So to suggest Peel aren’t very good at running airports (LPL anyone?) then he’s talking out of turn but also presumably it’s his stock answer as he actually isn’t involved at all in the mechanisms behind reopening the airport, he’s just the guy that writes the cheque if/when a FOBC is released.

Still interested to see who they appoint, and what this group intend to do differently.

 

Not sure why all my last post deleted whilst editing however in reply to the above

Personal view two totally different situations DSA and LBA regarding mayors, politics are politics and I ain't getting involved the only losers are the majority of voters whoever is in charge.

re rabbitfoot - Might be wrong but sure the last update suggested an update late spring which could be taken two ways I assume, May or June suppose it depends on when you think spring runs, depends on if they are working on astronomical spring times or meteorological spring times??? for me it's got to be the later spring runs ending May 31st???

Should we assume they are struggling to find the right operator the one that can make the place a success??

 

Not sure why all my last post deleted whilst editing however in reply to the above
Personal view two totally different situations DSA and LBA regarding mayors, politics are politics and I ain't getting involved the only losers are the majority of voters whoever is in charge.
re rabbitfoot - Might be wrong but sure the last update suggested an update late spring which could be taken two ways I assume, May or June suppose it depends on when you think spring runs, depends on if they are working on astronomical spring times or meteorological spring times??? for me it's got to be the later spring runs ending May 31st???
Should we assume they are struggling to find the right operator the one that can make the place a success??

I don’t think they will be struggling to find an operator, it all depends on what management model they’re looking to employ and I expect there’s a fair amount of learning as they go from the council exec side of things.

The signing the lease deal was always going to be the easier bit, as the council will have people on payroll who are adept at this sort of thing. The appointing of an airport operator in real terms was always going to be the tricky bit.

I’ve posted this a few times but just to bring it up thread.. How are the council approaching this? Conflicting use of language at the moment, sometimes they merely say operator which could mean they are just employed to operate/manage the airport on behalf of the council who would own the business (Peel of course owning the freehold) in which case there would likely be minimal risk to any operator appointed. Other times the words investor/operator have been used, which is in many ways completely different as they are asking for an operator to share the risk and invest themselves in the operation. We do know there was talk of ongoing subsidy for a period up to 2 years, this was in the council cabinet meeting minutes back in September/October. Could this be increased?

It looks likely that the £138million pot will be used to get the airport to the point it can reopen and handle CAT, with some left to subsidise the operation for an as yet to be determined period.

This is probably why it’s taking so long, I wouldn’t read into it either way at this point, I noted selfie stick Nick has attempted to challenge the council on this publicly, but it’s only because he’s probably as informed as the rest of us.

 

I don’t think they will be struggling to find an operator, it all depends on what management model they’re looking to employ and I expect there’s a fair amount of learning as they go from the council exec side of things.

The signing the lease deal was always going to be the easier bit, as the council will have people on payroll who are adept at this sort of thing. The appointing of an airport operator in real terms was always going to be the tricky bit.

I’ve posted this a few times but just to bring it up thread.. How are the council approaching this? Conflicting use of language at the moment, sometimes they merely say operator which could mean they are just employed to operate/manage the airport on behalf of the council who would own the business (Peel of course owning the freehold) in which case there would likely be minimal risk to any operator appointed. Other times the words investor/operator have been used, which is in many ways completely different as they are asking for an operator to share the risk and invest themselves in the operation. We do know there was talk of ongoing subsidy for a period up to 2 years, this was in the council cabinet meeting minutes back in September/October. Could this be increased?

It looks likely that the £138million pot will be used to get the airport to the point it can reopen and handle CAT, with some left to subsidise the operation for an as yet to be determined period.

This is probably why it’s taking so long, I wouldn’t read into it either way at this point, I noted selfie stick Nick has attempted to challenge the council on this publicly, but it’s only because he’s probably as informed as the rest of us.

I think I read on earlier posts that the £138m came in instalments over 20 years?? If that's correct then year 1 instalment = approx £6.9m is unlikely to scratch the surface - so presumably there will need to be loans taken out against Gainshare although I have not much idea how it works?? I think any delay (if there is one) will involve intense negotiations - as suggested - as to who pays for and owns what, bearing in mind Peel will still own the site and fixed infrastructure and probably any additions to the fixed infrastructure and what amount of subsidy is available and for how long to de-risk the project for the 'operator'. Not something agreed quickly I'm sure!