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...?

 

veridon have in april , given the go ahead for a huge project at the i port . the iPort Rail sits within 5 minutes of the m18 , the airport nine minutes. the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub.The terminal extension works will double its current size and storage capacity and increase number of trains that the terminal can accommodate each day, increasing the long distance, low carbon movement of goods. the works will be finished in 2025. if the airport is to be viable, it needs to be more cargo than passengers. the low carbon is one of the main points CDC , and the local labour mps are pushing.


There is significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase rail freight provision and support national and international supply chains. Our agreement with MEDLOG creates a strong platform for future growth and we are pleased to be making good progress with the appointment of Winvic and its start on site.

Except of course there is an airport just under and hour away which already has all this and more…….Add to that there is now also an airport just over an hour up the A1 which is also now targeting the cargo market. Where is all the demand and need for this extra capacity going to come from?? I foresee a race to the bottom. commercially and the established airports hold all the cards…..

Do you not think the previously unsuccessful airport operator will have known all this? It wasn't a catalyst, it didn't work for them. Too many fairy-tale hopes are being pinned on this vanity project with a reliance on essentially steeling cargo ops from EMA and passenger traffic from LBA. It just isn't good business sense to rely on the demise of other successful airports to support what has already been tried and failed at DSA.

I do wonder where DSA supporters get the idea that an airport located is the farthest corner of Yorkshire will attract business from LBA….The facts are that Leeds is a dynamic and growing city which is out competing the rest of the County. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/bus...e-with-forecast-ps15bn-boost-by-2026-4042875#
Investment attracts investment hence LBA confidence in ploughing over £100m into their airport.
In comparison Doncaster airport sits in the edge of a predominantly rural area to one side and an area of deprivation to the other. The vast majority of the market DSA isn’t on its doorstep unlike LBA…..

 

FedEx have rearranged their air arrangements. So everywhere from London, Midlands and Scotland is fully covered.

They moved from Newcastle to Teesside for better coverage spread.

East Midlands, Manchester, Edinburgh & Teesside. I can't see that changing anytime soon.

So that is whole of the Yorkshires, Humberside, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire covered within a two hour drive of the airports. So for FedEx it would be uneconomical to go into Finningley as it wouldn't give any extra coverage.

UPS operate from London, East Midlands, Manchester & Edinburgh. So unlikely they will come to Finningley either.

DHL operate London, Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Edinburgh & Glasgow. So they unlikely to locate to Finningley.

Amazon Air operate East Midlands.

So if FedEx, UPS, DHL & Prime Air are all equipped networks. Finningley isn't going to be on the radar at all as it would eat into other distribution networks.

Then there is belly hold cargo with airlines. With other airports geared up, what passenger and belly cargo volumes are going to be economical for Finningley.


So what other cargo is there to land that would help make Finningley viable.

 

Think you’ve summed it all up pretty well Stagman.

There is of course scope for some freight like before, but it didn’t pay the bills. Out of interest, where did the freight traffic go when the airport closed? EMA I presume?

Still want to see the evidence that has been passed to CDC that suggests there is a market for an airport at DSA, and how they’ve modelled demand.

 

Think you’ve summed it all up pretty well Stagman.

There is of course scope for some freight like before, but it didn’t pay the bills. Out of interest, where did the freight traffic go when the airport closed? EMA I presume?

Still want to see the evidence that has been passed to CDC that suggests there is a market for an airport at DSA, and how they’ve modelled demand.

Somehow, I think you might have a long wait. And we know that York Aviation took the opposite view, and they are probably one of, if not THE foremost aviation consultancy in the UK.

 

Somehow, I think you might have a long wait. And we know that York Aviation took the opposite view, and they are probably one of, if not THE foremost aviation consultancy in the UK.

Ahh but York Aviation are the enemy apparently, not to be trusted because they’ve worked for Peel before, just like they have for most of the major airlines in the U.K., and major airports, and HM Government.

They actually have an ex-DSA commercial exec on their team, someone who worked for Virgin and others before that. Left years before the closure was announced. Yet because of this he has been a figure of derision too.

I 100% believe that the operators will have, or will intend to, consult York Aviation as part of their due diligence.

 

Ahh but York Aviation are the enemy apparently, not to be trusted because they’ve worked for Peel before, just like they have for most of the major airlines in the U.K., and major airports, and HM Government.

They actually have an ex-DSA commercial exec on their team, someone who worked for Virgin and others before that. Left years before the closure was announced. Yet because of this he has been a figure of derision too.

I 100% believe that the operators will have, or will intend to, consult York Aviation as part of their due diligence.

If they've any sense they will!

I seem to recall too that The Mechanic, or one of his disciples, claimed York Aviation were in bed with LBA and therefore their statement about the future of DSA mk II was made to protect the interests of LBA and therefore to be disregarded.

 

If they've any sense they will!

I seem to recall too that The Mechanic, or one of his disciples, claimed York Aviation were in bed with LBA and therefore their statement about the future of DSA mk II was made to protect the interests of LBA and therefore to be disregarded.

Yes, well perhaps the less said about that the better.

As an aside, anyone who tries to argue that cargo is where the money is at is apparently wrong. Was involved in a meeting recently with a major airport operator who provided a breakdown of revenue by sector, apparently passenger ops offer the airports higher margins by virtue of the fact that ancillary revenue can be made. Cargo, it was claimed, has relatively few alternative revenue sources other than pure HLN and perhaps property. This is why Peel didn’t invest in a freight integrator facility, because it’s wasn’t viable with EMA being so close. UPS apparently considered one CGN-DSA flight per day for some reason or other, but it wasn’t viable in actuality and the full lot is now done from EMA.

I’ve seen things written by the mechanic and others that EMA is at capacity as a freight hub. That’s rubbish, it’s currently operating at 29% so ample space to grow.

 

this is why i think it will attract business
the much repeated line on here is why would they move to DSA?
you build a £20 million warehouse at EMA it costs £20 million
you build one at DSA you get government support ( and very LARGE support.)
all businesses main concern is money.
does anyone on here thing this new government, will want to see Teeside more sucessfull than DSA with houchen at the helm.
why did Boeing come to south yorkshire|? 100% they would have much rather be in leeds, derby, etc..

south Yorkshire Leaders and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have announced the first Investment Zone in the UK. It’s expected to create 8,000 new jobs for South Yorkshire and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

Using government support worth £80m, the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable.

investors, developers and start-ups will be offered a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses including:

• help with relocating through funding for capital, infrastructure and feasibility work.
• Help unlocking barriers to planning, with support from dedicated Investment Zone planning officers throughout the process.
• Skills support schemes to upskill workforces and boost opportunities for graduates whilst tackling issues around economic inactivity.

Supply chain funding to build the capability and competitiveness of suppliers to access regional, national and international growth markets.
First investment is more than £80m new Boeing-led sustainable aviation research project

 

this is why i think it will attract business
the much repeated line on here is why would they move to DSA?
you build a £20 million warehouse at EMA it costs £20 million
you build one at DSA you get government support ( and very LARGE support.)
all businesses main concern is money.
does anyone on here thing this new government, will want to see Teeside more sucessfull than DSA with houchen at the helm.
why did Boeing come to south yorkshire|? 100% they would have much rather be in leeds, derby, etc..
south Yorkshire Leaders and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have announced the first Investment Zone in the UK. It’s expected to create 8,000 new jobs for South Yorkshire and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.
Using government support worth £80m, the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable.
investors, developers and start-ups will be offered a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses including:

• help with relocating through funding for capital, infrastructure and feasibility work.
• Help unlocking barriers to planning, with support from dedicated Investment Zone planning officers throughout the process.
• Skills support schemes to upskill workforces and boost opportunities for graduates whilst tackling issues around economic inactivity.

Supply chain funding to build the capability and competitiveness of suppliers to access regional, national and international growth markets.
First investment is more than £80m new Boeing-led sustainable aviation research project

What you’re saying is that it’s cheap to build around there because of Gvt support. That in no way justifies your argument about why cargo and passenger airlines would also move there. In commercial aviation it’s not always about the cheapest, it’s about value for money and strategic advantage.

EMA is a success in the air freight market due mostly to its location. DSA is too close to that to gain any advantage in any way. Passenger airlines couldn’t care less if you have a load of cheap warehouses, they just want passengers to use their flights.

What you’re actually advocating, albeit unwittingly, is the plans Peel had for the site when they closed the airport in 2022.

OTOH what I want to see if the airport reopens is a push to attract and retain easyjet and TUI. I don’t think cargo is going to be a big thing, in spite of what they are saying. If it opens it must work this time because I do not want to see £millions in public money wasted.

 

this is why i think it will attract business
the much repeated line on here is why would they move to DSA?
you build a £20 million warehouse at EMA it costs £20 million
you build one at DSA you get government support ( and very LARGE support.)
all businesses main concern is money.
does anyone on here thing this new government, will want to see Teeside more sucessfull than DSA with houchen at the helm.
why did Boeing come to south yorkshire|? 100% they would have much rather be in leeds, derby, etc..

south Yorkshire Leaders and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have announced the first Investment Zone in the UK. It’s expected to create 8,000 new jobs for South Yorkshire and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

Using government support worth £80m, the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable.

investors, developers and start-ups will be offered a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses including:

• help with relocating through funding for capital, infrastructure and feasibility work.
• Help unlocking barriers to planning, with support from dedicated Investment Zone planning officers throughout the process.
• Skills support schemes to upskill workforces and boost opportunities for graduates whilst tackling issues around economic inactivity.

Supply chain funding to build the capability and competitiveness of suppliers to access regional, national and international growth markets.
First investment is more than £80m new Boeing-led sustainable aviation research project

Boeing have been in South Yorkshire well before

this is why i think it will attract business
the much repeated line on here is why would they move to DSA?
you build a £20 million warehouse at EMA it costs £20 million
you build one at DSA you get government support ( and very LARGE support.)
all businesses main concern is money.
does anyone on here thing this new government, will want to see Teeside more sucessfull than DSA with houchen at the helm.
why did Boeing come to south yorkshire|? 100% they would have much rather be in leeds, derby, etc..

south Yorkshire Leaders and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have announced the first Investment Zone in the UK. It’s expected to create 8,000 new jobs for South Yorkshire and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

Using government support worth £80m, the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable.

investors, developers and start-ups will be offered a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses including:

• help with relocating through funding for capital, infrastructure and feasibility work.
• Help unlocking barriers to planning, with support from dedicated Investment Zone planning officers throughout the process.
• Skills support schemes to upskill workforces and boost opportunities for graduates whilst tackling issues around economic inactivity.

Supply chain funding to build the capability and competitiveness of suppliers to access regional, national and international growth markets.
First investment is more than £80m new Boeing-led sustainable aviation research project

However - the reason Boeing chose SY for their factory was because they’ve a long established presence in SY - well before DSA even existed. The DSA factor has absolutely no relevance to Boeing - the proximity to Sheffield university is of far greater importance. For info AETC have a presence right next door to LBA supplying engine turbine blades to the aircraft industry - that also no longer has any reliance to LBA!
You also mention investment zones - I presume you are also aware that the East Midland was also granted the same status last November to “The East Midlands Investment Zone will focus on the advanced manufacturing and green industries sectors across Derby, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire” Sound familiar??
Add to that EMA is also home to the UKs only inland Freeport which offer significant advantages to cargo operators over DSA……

 

Boeing have been in South Yorkshire well before

However - the reason Boeing chose SY for their factory was because they’ve a long established presence in SY - well before DSA even existed. The DSA factor has absolutely no relevance to Boeing - the proximity to Sheffield university is of far greater importance. For info AETC have a presence right next door to LBA supplying engine turbine blades to the aircraft industry - that also no longer has any reliance to LBA!
You also mention investment zones - I presume you are also aware that the East Midland was also granted the same status last November to “The East Midlands Investment Zone will focus on the advanced manufacturing and green industries sectors across Derby, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire” Sound familiar??
Add to that EMA is also home to the UKs only inland Freeport which offer significant advantages to cargo operators over DSA……

as the east midlands investment zone been given the go ahead?

 

If it has, I can't see DSA competing.

 

as the east midlands investment zone been given the go ahead?

Was confirmed last November https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/new-investment-zones-confirmed-for-the-midlands
And to add the benefits to a cargo facility from any investment zone pale into insignificance when compared to those of a freeport……

A quick look at the photo on here shows you EMA and DSA are worlds apart in terms of cargo facilities…..https://www.slp-emg.com/

 

i do not see it march this year, i can see doncaster gateway east

Investment Zones

www.gov.uk

 

i do not see it march this year, i can see doncaster gateway east

Investment Zones

www.gov.uk

With respect, you’re probably best posting on a construction forum not an aviation forum.

 

Why on earth Doncaster never teamed up with the Humber for the Freeport bid is absolutely bonkers.

I think that losing out on Freeport status was one of the nails into DSA's coffin. As without the hopes of the Freeport bringing extra economic activity to the area. That when added to other aspects certainly meant a review of options was required going forward.

Just look at how much investments is being ploughed into the Teesside area. It is beginning to become a boom area.

Companies expanding and growing. Financial companies enquiring for office space to locate into the area. Construction work is at an all time high. Manufacturers wanting to move into the area or expand. Housing being built all around the region. The region is growing quite fast. Teesside Freeport covers quite a large area from Redcar Docks to the Airport and across Hartlepool.

So with the Freeport and other zones around the Teesside area and in the wider North East and Yorkshire regions. Teesside Airport is ideally located to grow with this renaissance. There are multiple factors that is helping Teesside Airport grow. Whereas DSA what is there happening of significance in the region that is going to be of benefit to a reopened DSA. Just a quick look at Google Maps satellite view shows nothing of any significance being built in the area. Take a look up around Teesside. Major house building underway across Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. Then turn to the industrial, commercial and retail developments that are being built. All this bodes well for the future of Teesside Airport.

But I can't see anything of that happening around the Doncaster area. So can't see what can uplift future prosperity for DSA.

Such is my love for Finningley and I do have family in that area, unless some huge plan comes forward it is hard to see where a future for it is coming from.

Has the slow uptake by the politicians of the area really caused critical issues. Whereas if they were on the ball sooner then the outcome could have been indicative to a more favourable future.

With an escape clause in the lease at year two, it doesn't fill me with much hope.

We are fast approaching the second anniversary of closure and still no further forward of any indication of when flying of some description will resume.

 

Keep hearing of potential housing on the site. Well, after all it is flat land that is clearly semi desirable with DSA supporters detached from reality!

 

Why on earth Doncaster never teamed up with the Humber for the Freeport bid is absolutely bonkers.

I think that losing out on Freeport status was one of the nails into DSA's coffin. As without the hopes of the Freeport bringing extra economic activity to the area. That when added to other aspects certainly meant a review of options was required going forward.

Just look at how much investments is being ploughed into the Teesside area. It is beginning to become a boom area.

Companies expanding and growing. Financial companies enquiring for office space to locate into the area. Construction work is at an all time high. Manufacturers wanting to move into the area or expand. Housing being built all around the region. The region is growing quite fast. Teesside Freeport covers quite a large area from Redcar Docks to the Airport and across Hartlepool.

So with the Freeport and other zones around the Teesside area and in the wider North East and Yorkshire regions. Teesside Airport is ideally located to grow with this renaissance. There are multiple factors that is helping Teesside Airport grow. Whereas DSA what is there happening of significance in the region that is going to be of benefit to a reopened DSA. Just a quick look at Google Maps satellite view shows nothing of any significance being built in the area. Take a look up around Teesside. Major house building underway across Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. Then turn to the industrial, commercial and retail developments that are being built. All this bodes well for the future of Teesside Airport.

But I can't see anything of that happening around the Doncaster area. So can't see what can uplift future prosperity for DSA.

Such is my love for Finningley and I do have family in that area, unless some huge plan comes forward it is hard to see where a future for it is coming from.

Has the slow uptake by the politicians of the area really caused critical issues. Whereas if they were on the ball sooner then the outcome could have been indicative to a more favourable future.

With an escape clause in the lease at year two, it doesn't fill me with much hope.

We are fast approaching the second anniversary of closure and still no further forward of any indication of when flying of some description will resume.

Humber Freeport has Humberside Airport with its links to AMS and various offshore support helicopter functions, it doesn’t need DSA with its flights to Alicante.

As for the local authorities, there is absolutely no doubt that they knew it would be put under review well before it actually became public. The first sign of trouble was months prior when the airport MD inexplicably announced his ‘resignation’ without having another job to go to. I read that as he was paid off! Then of course we know that Peel had engaged SYMCA (under Dan Jarvis) in talks over the loan/equity, which was rejected because Peel couldn’t satisfy the board that they would be able to make DSA profitable. This has been twisted by Oliver Coppard where he accuses Peel of not showing the books, which is a lie and the details have been removed from the SYMCA website. This is important, because how are they justifying a spend of up to £138 million on a project that they couldn’t justify investing £20m into previously?

 

i do not see it march this year, i can see doncaster gateway east

Investment Zones

www.gov.uk

“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……

 

Deadline day for the submission of bids to win the tender to operate a reopened DSA on behalf of CDC. Wonder if the two selected front runners have followed through with this.

Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, briefing pack released last week and posted on here.