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 never said that.
but i do thing he is worried,
LBA never got the business routes it sort, and with manchester only being an hour away . more people from west yorkshire use manchester than LBA.
there new investment needs paying fo, if DSA happens, it will take about 20% from them.

And there is zero chance of DSA ever getting any business routes given its distance from any significant business centre…
I also think you’ll find the majority of people from SY use MAN and even if DSA managed to re-open that will always be the case, Peel made that point quite clear in their closure report.
LBA strategy has been focused on attracting Y&H passengers to LBA who currently use MAN and other airports to fly to any of the 70 plus destinations already served from LBA, that’s where they see plenty of growth…..

when you talk about a publicly subsidised airport, you forget about other publicly subsided ie bradford
council had a !!£200!! million bailout last year to stop them going bankrupt. leeds are going to use their gainshare on local transport ( which will not make a profit).
if doncaster want to use their money on a airport , so what.

and just to make a point the bradford money came from the taxpayer!

What a ridiculous statement comparing Bradford Council over spend which in essence has materialised from a significant increase in social care and especially child support services cost to that of a bailout of a failing airport used by a minority of the local population….
If you are gong to try and make a point at least educate yourself….

 

International airport expertise secured to reopen Doncaster’s airport - City of Doncaster Council

www.doncaster.gov.uk

Very cynical on the same day they propose to request more money for ‘legal’ upto £10 million.

Anyway, FP Airports are something to do with Plymouth, an airport that has been closed for over a decade. Munich will only be providing expertise and on a payroll.

So much for transparency, the Council are misleading their electorate.

 

are they any good?
Munich Airport International (MAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport, offers airport management, consulting and training services worldwide. Over the past 28 years MAI has evolved from being the leading ORAT service provider to a global airport operator. Today MAI is a trusted partner for smart money and ambitious airports throughout the world. With four subsidiaries and affiliated companies, MAI employs around 85 highly skilled experts globally and has a proven track record of more than 110 successfully delivered projects across more than 40 countries. MAI provides best practice solutions for the entire airport lifecycle, including bid advisory services for airport concessions, airport masterplan and design, operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT), efficient and sustainable airport operations, optimization of aviation and non-aviation revenues, tailor-made training programs, as well as comprehensive airport management. Since early 2019, MAI is responsible for the operation, maintenance and concession management of Terminal A/One at Newark Liberty International Airport (USA).

 

are they any good?
Munich Airport International (MAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport, offers airport management, consulting and training services worldwide. Over the past 28 years MAI has evolved from being the leading ORAT service provider to a global airport operator. Today MAI is a trusted partner for smart money and ambitious airports throughout the world. With four subsidiaries and affiliated companies, MAI employs around 85 highly skilled experts globally and has a proven track record of more than 110 successfully delivered projects across more than 40 countries. MAI provides best practice solutions for the entire airport lifecycle, including bid advisory services for airport concessions, airport masterplan and design, operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT), efficient and sustainable airport operations, optimization of aviation and non-aviation revenues, tailor-made training programs, as well as comprehensive airport management. Since early 2019, MAI is responsible for the operation, maintenance and concession management of Terminal A/One at Newark Liberty International Airport (USA).

Doesn’t sound much different;

Operator is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisory services. Since 1994, we have managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships to solve complex challenges at every one of our locations. Operator is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors.

Same difference, doesn’t matter who runs it the obstacles are still the same. Only it’s not their money they’re proposing to invest.

Like I say, a cynical announcement to hide something else.

 

Well doubtful it will be open next year……that’s if it opens at all now. Looks like Coppard is now starting to realise what CDC keeps telling him is not all it is….a case of emperor and his new clothes…..Seems PUGs cynicism was well founded as other than the YP the news of an independent review of the business case seems to have been buried….

Doncaster Sheffield Airport operator revealed - but £105m reopening decision due to be delayed until summer

A final decision on using £105m of devolution funding to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport is due to be delayed until summer as an independent assessment is ordered into the “significant risks” of the plan.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

 

are they any good?
Munich Airport International (MAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport, offers airport management, consulting and training services worldwide. Over the past 28 years MAI has evolved from being the leading ORAT service provider to a global airport operator. Today MAI is a trusted partner for smart money and ambitious airports throughout the world. With four subsidiaries and affiliated companies, MAI employs around 85 highly skilled experts globally and has a proven track record of more than 110 successfully delivered projects across more than 40 countries. MAI provides best practice solutions for the entire airport lifecycle, including bid advisory services for airport concessions, airport masterplan and design, operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT), efficient and sustainable airport operations, optimization of aviation and non-aviation revenues, tailor-made training programs, as well as comprehensive airport management. Since early 2019, MAI is responsible for the operation, maintenance and concession management of Terminal A/One at Newark Liberty International Airport (USA).

Yes I'm sure MAI are fine - big company. Trying to pick out the structure from what the Mayor is stating (which is always difficult) it would seem that they are being bankrolled to provide consultancy - and being a big company that will not be cheap - through their 'subsidiary' FP Airports. That's interesting as FP airports are not a subsidiary of MIA in the financial meaning of the word I believe, they are (or were) a dormant company that was set up in an attempt to open Plymouth Airport a couple of years ago. They appear to have no substance according to the last report at Companies House (£1 Capital) but sounds like they will be subsidiary in terms of running the airport - that is implementing that which MIA advise perhaps. Strange association! However - sit back and await!
As @pug reports - Mayor is asking for another £10m for 'legals' - yeah right!! That's £17m (already had £7m) for legal stuff - a likely story.
Mr Coppard with squeaky bum syndrome - (or is common sense breaking out?) to review the risks before committing. Fascinating stuff.

 

Well doubtful it will be open next year……that’s if it opens at all now. Looks like Coppard is now starting to realise what CDC keeps telling him is not all it is….a case of emperor and his new clothes…..Seems PUGs cynicism was well founded as other than the YP the news of an independent review of the business case seems to have been buried….

Doncaster Sheffield Airport operator revealed - but £105m reopening decision due to be delayed until summer

A final decision on using £105m of devolution funding to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport is due to be delayed until summer as an independent assessment is ordered into the “significant risks” of the plan.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Well it’s interesting that they’re pointing at the supposed gold standard operator whilst trying once again to bury the news that they have accepted the project poses a real risk if failure. The irony is that this is the sort of spin that Peel would have been proud of back in the day,

It’s cynical, underhand and arguably irresponsible.

I’m interested to know what role Fly Plymouth have In all of this.

 

Well doubtful it will be open next year……that’s if it opens at all now. Looks like Coppard is now starting to realise what CDC keeps telling him is not all it is….a case of emperor and his new clothes…..Seems PUGs cynicism was well founded as other than the YP the news of an independent review of the business case seems to have been buried….

Doncaster Sheffield Airport operator revealed - but £105m reopening decision due to be delayed until summer

A final decision on using £105m of devolution funding to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport is due to be delayed until summer as an independent assessment is ordered into the “significant risks” of the plan.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

It seems then that YP have interpreted the Mayor's statement as MIA are operating the airport -have they fallen for more ambiguity?? Read it carefully YP!!) I interpret it as FP airports will be the actual operator - presumably they are the preferred bidder!!

 

It seems then that YP have interpreted the Mayor's statement as MIA are operating the airport -have they fallen for more ambiguity?? Read it carefully YP!!) I interpret it as FP airports will be the actual operator - presumably they are the preferred bidder!!

Indeed, on a ‘multi year deal’. Multi would imply more than one, so are MAI consulting in re-establishing the airport by which point they’ll have over to FP Avistion Ltd? Devil in the detail, which is not forthcoming

 

So if I'm reading the YP article correctly, the Mayoral Authority are recognising now that things are not as straightforward as CDC would have everyone believe, and they are to seek independent advice before making a decision in the summer, but, the £10m CDC now want will be used to continue the preparatory work for reopening, whatever that might be.

So in the event the Mayor ultimately declines to hand over the money in the summer, CDC will have wasted £17m of public funds plus the cost of the lease from Peel, at least up to the first lease break.

Assuming the Mayor decides to waste his £105m, and given the York Aviation report estimates a cost of £65m to get the airport back to licensable condition, how, I wonder, will they spend that £65m, procure whats needed, do all the work, recruit snd train all the staff , sign up airlines to operate at short notice and have commercial flights operating, all in 9 months? And is the £105m on top of the £17m+ that will probably already be spent? I find it incredible that they are planning to use all of Doncaster's gainshare through to 2050 on this.

It seems to me that just as news comes out which can be perceived as casting doubt on the future of the project, CDC announce the operator which seems designed to act as a smokescreen. Great news folks, this is the operator for our new airport. The one that still may never happen.

I very much concur with Pug. Cynical, but typical of what's been happening throughout.

 

There is zero chance now that this airport will be operating passenger services by next summer given the drawdown of the full funds has been deferred. If you notice none of today’s updates from Jones has made mention of this.

One thinks she's just looking to bail out from the hole she's dug herself before the final decision is made.

 

One thinks she's just looking to bail out from the hole she's dug herself before the final decision is made.

I’m have no doubt that Ros Jones has made this announcement in response to Oliver Coppard showing more caution and taking independent advice. Ros is trying to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Oliver to pull back from funding DSA.

 

There is zero chance now that this airport will be operating passenger services by next summer given the drawdown of the full funds has been deferred. If you notice none of today’s updates from Jones has made mention of this.

Actually just noticed she IS still stating Spring 2026 in the YP article - not a chance unless she has found a secret money tree…..

 

Actually just noticed she IS still stating Spring 2026 in the YP article - not a chance unless she has found a secret money tree…..

She will need far more than just a money tree. Lots of equipment that needs to be ordered, awaited, delivered, installed and tested. Lots of people to operate it who need recruiting, security checking and training. And much more, none of which can start until funding is confirmed and there is an airport to recruit for.

I wonder who OC will get his independent advice from? The usual used by the CAA would be York Aviation. Maybe he should ask them!

Oh, wait........! He already has their independent views.

 

I’m have no doubt that Ros Jones has made this announcement in response to Oliver Coppard showing more caution and taking independent advice. Ros is trying to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Oliver to pull back from funding DSA.

I was thinking similar, I think Oliver comms department put out this press release and informed Ros, who then thought “the airport is my number one pwiority, I will show them” and put out a release herself without speaking to Oliver. Ok, it’s fun speculation but I do wonder….. I’m sure SYMA comms team are not happy about this. I do think, If the airport doesn’t go ahead, now she can now blame Sheffield!!

 

I was thinking similar, I think Oliver comms department put out this press release and informed Ros, who then thought “the airport is my number one pwiority, I will show them” and put out a release herself without speaking to Oliver. Ok, it’s fun speculation but I do wonder….. I’m sure SYMA comms team are not happy about this. I do think, If the airport doesn’t go ahead, now she can now blame Sheffield!!

That’s exactly what they’re doing. Positioning themselves to see who comes out the cleanest and who can have the finger pointed. In some ways they’re probably disappointed that Labour won the last GE, because they have no out due to toeing the party line. I note a complete and uncharacteristic lack of acknowledgement on Oliver Coppards social media about this exciting development (worst kept secret). The biggest surprise to me was the involvement of FlyPlymouth..

Someone will have to make the tough decision one way or another. In five years if it’s closed again they’ll be long gone anyway!

 

In some ways they’re probably disappointed that Labour won the last GE,

pug , put that statement on any forum but here, and people will think you on crack.

so you think they wanted another 5 years of boris , truss ....

 

In some ways they’re probably disappointed that Labour won the last GE,

pug , put that statement on any forum but here, and people will think you on crack.

so you think they wanted another 5 years of boris , truss ....

No, I think in this instance it would have been more convenient if they had a scapegoat.

Anyhow, thanks for the kind sentiments. It is something I think many of us would level at you but we tend to be a friendly bunch here overall.

 

That’s exactly what they’re doing. Positioning themselves to see who comes out the cleanest and who can have the finger pointed. In some ways they’re probably disappointed that Labour won the last GE, because they have no out due to toeing the party line. I note a complete and uncharacteristic lack of acknowledgement on Oliver Coppards social media about this exciting development (worst kept secret). The biggest surprise to me was the involvement of FlyPlymouth..

Someone will have to make the tough decision one way or another. In five years if it’s closed again they’ll be long gone anyway!

And closure, if indeed it ever does re-open, is still a very realistic possibility. A look at all the airports MAI have been involved in identifies that they have brought zero capital into any of those projects. Their relationship has always been based upon a contracted basis.

So the question remains where is the Council going to get the extra funding which will no doubt be required going forward??

 

And closure, if indeed it ever does re-open, is still a very realistic possibility. A look at all the airports MAI have been involved in identifies that they have brought zero capital into any of those projects. Their relationship has always been based upon a contracted basis.

So the question remains where is the Council going to get the extra funding which will no doubt be required going forward??

Close down care homes, nurseries, and libraries, increase parking charges, and big increases in Council Tax. After all, reopening DSA is the No 1 priority. So people won't mind so long as they can fly to Benidorm for their annual jollies.

Be careful what you wish for springs to mind.