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...?

 

Coppards latest statement on FB states he is doing what the people have asked him to do “
I just wanted to offer some thoughts about DSA to round off the week, and to respond to some of the criticism that has come from other politicians and some commentators, on and offline.

The one criticism that I have found particularly baffling over the last week or more, has been something said by everyone from the Greens to the Tories - basically variations on the theme that I’m only backing DSA because it’s ’politically popular’.

Firstly, it’s simply not true. DSA has the potential to be a huge economic driver of jobs and growth. It gives us the chance to create world leading industries in sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing, at Gateway East in Doncaster. I’ve always said it’s a project that isn’t without risks and challenges, but if we get it right the upsides are bigger than on any other project available to us anywhere in South Yorkshire.

But perhaps more importantly, I simply can’t understand the logic of anyone making the argument that politicians shouldn’t try to do things that their communities want them to do; that’s literally my job.

It’s been clear from day one that saving, then reopening DSA has been something people across South Yorkshire want me to try and do. I’m South Yorkshire’s Mayor, through devolution I increasingly have the funding and powers to make things happen.

I can’t override the government, I can’t always do everything, of course I have my own values and priorities, and I absolutely shouldn’t use public money carelessly.

But if I can do something our community wants me to do, of course I’m going to try and do it.
That’s the whole point of my job.

So I make no apology for committing to reopening DSA last week. And any politician or commentator that is out there arguing that I shouldn’t be trying to do things that people want me to do in South Yorkshire, things that are ‘politically popular’, might want to take a long, hard look at their own priorities, values and what they think democracy is all about.”

If it’s such a huge economic driver, would Doncaster not already be a prosperous place from having had an airport?? Ah no, that’s just because it was mismanaged

 

@Guppy it seems he’s on the one hand saying it’s not a political decision but is also admitting that it is a political decision. If there wasn’t a Facebook group set up AB’s if the Doncaster Chamber members had been a bit more resistant in number do we honestly think this would be happening now? They’ve had to make a case to reopen it because there wasn’t one otherwise, that to me suggests heart is ruling head here. I think he’s trying to justify a lot if this to himself personally, he knows decisions were made by SYMCA before that helped seal the fate of the airport.

You can tell he’s had former airport workers nattering in his ear about how the big corp Peel had done stuff to make it fail. Coppards drank the kool aid here. There’s a very high chance therefore that it’ll come back to bite him but it will be after they’ve put the money into it.

Meanwhile the mechanic has regurgitated this load of nonsense that’s supposed to denote catchment areas. This is just another display of a complete lack of awareness.

 

Well i'm guessing this is as close as we are going to get an insight to a business plan for now. Here is a summary from Chambers DSA Surface Access

And full doc Surface Access Statement

Im loving the buzz words, BRT (Buss Rapid Transit) sounds like the future.....ummmm its Bus Lanes; Sustainable Growth = people dont drive as far in Cars to an airport, therefore it helps reduce carbon in the region!!

 

Well i'm guessing this is as close as we are going to get an insight to a business plan for now. Here is a summary from Chambers DSA Surface Access

And full doc Surface Access Statement

Im loving the buzz words, BRT (Buss Rapid Transit) sounds like the future.....ummmm its Bus Lanes; Sustainable Growth = people dont drive as far in Cars to an airport, therefore it helps reduce carbon in the region!!

It's an interesting read but I don't see that the reality (certainly in the mid term) is much different to the past years - although one might expect some very aggressive marketing in the WY area. Those local to DSA say what an horrendous journey it is to MAN, LBA and EMA but of course that works in reverse if it's true. Personally I feel that the airline 'offer' will still be the priority attraction - no good if you live next door or can get there quick but the flights you want are not available. (It mentions car parking and drop off charges - ooer!!) If the airport attracts a return say of TUI with a few holiday flights I somehow think that the political pressure at least will be off - remains to be seen.
There is much focus on Gateway East - again the two entities seem to be joined at the hip - clearly DSA as a stand alone will find life hugely difficult but is it to be justified as a loss making business traded off against jobs that might be created on Gateway East if it there are takers for that?? I think OC has said almost as much.
Doubt the SY public will ever see information as to how the finances add up - or don't as the case may be!

 

Well i'm guessing this is as close as we are going to get an insight to a business plan for now. Here is a summary from Chambers DSA Surface Access

And full doc Surface Access Statement

Im loving the buzz words, BRT (Buss Rapid Transit) sounds like the future.....ummmm its Bus Lanes; Sustainable Growth = people dont drive as far in Cars to an airport, therefore it helps reduce carbon in the region!!

This is horrendous. It’s tantamount to saying ‘how can we get people to the shop efficiently so that we can sell them these bottles of air’. I don’t think the problem is people getting to the airport, if there were enough people willing to support the airport then they’d arrive by horse and cart if they had to, just look at LBA! But what they need to consider now is how they’re going to get airlines and cargo airlines in. Notice that EMA are about to have a new venture taking up the old UPS hub in the form of yunexpress, so even the cheap Chinese tat will be heading to EMA now!

On the subject of DSA as an economic driver I like how they write things like ‘experience from elsewhere’ to be as vague as possible to get their point across without actually citing any evidence whatsoever,m. They even try to contrast it. Against what exactly? Well we don’t know because they haven’t given us any specific examples of where airports are an economic driver. They do keep banging on about Manchester, which kind of displays what they think DSA will return with.

The travel time catchment area makes for somber reading, it’s actually got a smaller 30 minute catchment area than Humberside.

I’ve only glanced through it but that’s enough to know that if this was peer reviewed it would be blasted to pieces.

Conclusion: probably written by an intern on very low or no pay.

 

And who is going to pay for all this??? Reads like a wish list to go to Reeves however there are far more pressing and immediate calls for UK gov infrastructure funding in the UK that will generate far greater economic returns at a far quicker paces.

It is the speed of getting some quick growth wins which will have the immediate focus of the gov……..

Just one other point - once NPR completes the journey time to MAN from both Leeds and Bradford will be approx 10 minutes longer then to that to Doncaster station and that is to a station actually at the airport….MAN is recognised by TFN as the key gateway for the whole of the North hence why much of the campaigning for investment by TFN has been directed in that direction…..

 

And who is going to pay for all this??? Reads like a wish list to go to Reeves however there are far more pressing and immediate calls for UK gov infrastructure funding in the UK that will generate far greater economic returns at a far quicker paces.

It is the speed of getting some quick growth wins which will have the immediate focus of the gov……..

Just one other point - once NPR completes the journey time to MAN from both Leeds and Bradford will be approx 10 minutes longer then to that to Doncaster station and that is to a station actually at the airport….MAN is recognised by TFN as the key gateway for the whole of the North hence why much of the campaigning for investment by TFN has been directed in that direction…..

There is mixed messaging happening for sure. The solution naturally would be to make MAN more accessible because there is demand to do that now. The premise for reopening DSA is exactly the same as Peels back in the early 2000’s. They think Manchester shouldn’t have the hegemony when it comes to air services. Fine in principle but there’s a reason MAN is the major airport of the north and to enable it to offer an alternative to the London airports it has to stay that way.

The document even claims that the South East is a saturated market! I’m sure the airlines that are clambering over themselves to get access to Heathrow don’t see it that way. The premise is therefore fundamentally flawed.

Can people access DSA already? Yes. Is there sufficient traffic to warrant investment in alternative surface access? Well short of a bus service, no! Rather than focussing on this they should really be trying to determine what market DSA is likely to serve as a priority, the surface access stuff is a wish list and only serves as a distraction to the fundamental principles behind opening the airport. Will 2Excel expand there? Undoubtedly but that’s not why people have been backing the reopening is it, and if they end up disappointed by the lack of available airlines and expensive holiday prices, or businesses find they have no services that suit them like before then they won’t be happy with what they get.

 

it was a big blow Holtec deal not happening for gateway east.
there would have been some road improvements for that.
sad, but as they say when one door closes , another one opens

 

it was a big blow Holtec deal not happening for gateway east.
there would have been some road improvements for that.
sad, but as they say when one door closes , another one opens

Isn’t that what they say about Cessna 150’s?

In this case I think they need lots of open doors and no closed ones if they want to build a cluster. Still don’t see why Holtec needed an airport, I still don’t believe their intention was anything other than gaining political support to win a contract anyway.

 

And now the CDC Glorious Leader has been dealt a political bloody nose, losing a vote of confidence vote being instigated by Reform because Jones misled the public about DSA.

Mayor loses no confidence vote in Doncaster Sheffield Airport row

Ros Jones, Labour's elected Mayor of Doncaster, says she is "not going anywhere" following the vote.

www.bbc.com

It's pure political mischief by Reform, out to score points against Labour, but unless Reform spiral out of control soon this is going to hurt the process of reopening DSA. And frankly this is on Jones, Coppard and co. Had they been honest about the reality of reopening the airport Reform wouldn't have anything to throw at them.

 

And now the CDC Glorious Leader has been dealt a political bloody nose, losing a vote of confidence vote being instigated by Reform because Jones misled the public about DSA.

Mayor loses no confidence vote in Doncaster Sheffield Airport row

Ros Jones, Labour's elected Mayor of Doncaster, says she is "not going anywhere" following the vote.

www.bbc.com

It's pure political mischief by Reform, out to score points against Labour, but unless Reform spiral out of control soon this is going to hurt the process of reopening DSA. And frankly this is on Jones, Coppard and co. Had they been honest about the reality of reopening the airport Reform wouldn't have anything to throw at them.

They won’t be honest about it. Imagine if Reform blocked the funding, imagine the furore that would ensue and the political ammo that would provide to the local Labour Party.

Reform might be stupid, but when it comes to winning votes they’re not that stupid. I do wonder what they’ll do in November however.

 

They won’t be honest about it. Imagine if Reform blocked the funding, imagine the furore that would ensue and the political ammo that would provide to the local Labour Party.

Reform might be stupid, but when it comes to winning votes they’re not that stupid. I do wonder what they’ll do in November however.

I wouldn't be so sure, Reform are high in confidence at the moment so they are capable of anything. I suspect having gone after the vote of no confidence they will be smelling blood in November. I wouldn't be surprised if they do try to block the funding.

 

I wouldn't be so sure, Reform are high in confidence at the moment so they are capable of anything. I suspect having gone after the vote of no confidence they will be smelling blood in November. I wouldn't be surprised if they do try to block the funding.

I’m unsure whether I understand correctly, I was under the impression that Ros Jones as Mayor has certain powers to veto any move to block the funding from being released? Is the vote in November therefore just a vote of confidence in the project or is it actionable?

 

I’m unsure whether I understand correctly, I was under the impression that Ros Jones as Mayor has certain powers to veto any move to block the funding from being released? Is the vote in November therefore just a vote of confidence in the project or is it actionable?

Honestly I'm not 100% sure one way or another, I certainly thought she might have power of veto but this could be overturned by an majority of councillors plus one. Hence Reform positioning themselves to try and block the funding. But I could be wrong.

However even if she does have the final say, imagine the optics if a majority of councillors opposed funding the airport and she pushes on. Reform aren't political innovators, they are opportunists. Labour going against the "popular vote" (and I use that term very loosely) would give them ammunition that Labour aren't listening to "the people", and at the next set of local elections use this to decimate Labour's position. It could be a bloodbath for them, and something that might be in the minds of the leadership. Reform could also be setting themselves up to be the fall guys, if Labour decided to advise Jones to accept the vote. Unlikely, but still a possibility.

 

Honestly I'm not 100% sure one way or another, I certainly thought she might have power of veto but this could be overturned by an majority of councillors plus one. Hence Reform positioning themselves to try and block the funding. But I could be wrong.

However even if she does have the final say, imagine the optics if a majority of councillors opposed funding the airport and she pushes on. Reform aren't political innovators, they are opportunists. Labour going against the "popular vote" (and I use that term very loosely) would give them ammunition that Labour aren't listening to "the people", and at the next set of local elections use this to decimate Labour's position. It could be a bloodbath for them, and something that might be in the minds of the leadership. Reform could also be setting themselves up to be the fall guys, if Labour decided to advise Jones to accept the vote. Unlikely, but still a possibility.

Much as I dislike Reform and all they stand for, the fact is they were elected in significant numbers on to Doncaster Council and therefore would be able to claim they represent the people who put them there. If they decided to block the use of £160m of the CDC gainshare entirely on the resurrection of a dead duck airport, but were overuled by a single Labour Mayor's vote, how does that represent democracy? How does one Labour Mayor who is apparently focussed on one single vanity project, overule the majority of the Council? That effectively makes the Council powerless and the Mayor without any challenge.

It may be the case, but in my view, it's nuts and it's dangerous to have a Mayor who is effectively answerable to nobody despite representing the minority within the council.

 

EMA have appointed a new Commercial Director:

East Midlands Airport’s new commercial director aims for more destinations for passengers and cargo

East Midlands Airport’s new commercial director is on a mission to “enable connectivity with the world” for passengers and cargo.

mediacentre.eastmidlandsairport.com

Ex BA Network and Scheduling manager, he will have a LOT of contacts/relationships.

Seems they’re doubling down on developing the freight side too.

So that’s Declan Maguire at LBA and this guy at EMA. The council in Doncaster will have their work cut out!

Much as I dislike Reform and all they stand for, the fact is they were elected in significant numbers on to Doncaster Council and therefore would be able to claim they represent the people who put them there. If they decided to block the use of £160m of the CDC gainshare entirely on the resurrection of a dead duck airport, but were overuled by a single Labour Mayor's vote, how does that represent democracy? How does one Labour Mayor who is apparently focussed on one single vanity project, overule the majority of the Council? That effectively makes the Council powerless and the Mayor without any challenge.

It may be the case, but in my view, it's nuts and it's dangerous to have a Mayor who is effectively answerable to nobody despite representing the minority within the council.

Now I’m not one to support anything Regurge say but in this occasion….

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.u...Eu1t9sKtNqZw#b6jfcazxuyuby536xnownbbkyovfqls6

 

EMA have appointed a new Commercial Director:

East Midlands Airport’s new commercial director aims for more destinations for passengers and cargo

East Midlands Airport’s new commercial director is on a mission to “enable connectivity with the world” for passengers and cargo.

mediacentre.eastmidlandsairport.com

Ex BA Network and Scheduling manager, he will have a LOT of contacts/relationships.

Seems they’re doubling down on developing the freight side too.

So that’s Declan Maguire at LBA and this guy at EMA. The council in Doncaster will have their work cut out!


Now I’m not one to support anything Regurge say but in this occasion….

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.u...Eu1t9sKtNqZw#b6jfcazxuyuby536xnownbbkyovfqls6

Add to that the salaries they are offering are just not in the ball park - they are offering £70k -£75k for the same role at DSA…..Very much doubt at that level they would attract any serious contenders….
As for the business case - well who would have believed that to be the case!

 

Add to that the salaries they are offering are just not in the ball park - they are offering £70k -£75k for the same role at DSA…..Very much doubt at that level they would attract any serious contenders….
As for the business case - well who would have believed that to be the case!

No I doubt they will, pay in the industry is pretty good at the moment. I suspect the Ops Director has seen a nice little semi retirement gig that’s funding by the public so he’ll be happy with that. I’ve spoken to a couple of people who are aviation consultants recently and they can’t work out how they’ve made a rigid case for the airport reopening. They’re protective of their commercial partners so don’t provide details but they do say that DSA will have a very tough time selling itself. Make of that what you will, think we already know what they’re referring to.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c237108798jo
you could not make it up

and when ever as rival party every said anything good what their rivals where doing.
did you expect reform to come out and say the mayor is doing a great job

 

No I doubt they will, pay in the industry is pretty good at the moment. I suspect the Ops Director has seen a nice little semi retirement gig that’s funding by the public so he’ll be happy with that. I’ve spoken to a couple of people who are aviation consultants recently and they can’t work out how they’ve made a rigid case for the airport reopening. They’re protective of their commercial partners so don’t provide details but they do say that DSA will have a very tough time selling itself. Make of that what you will, think we already know what they’re referring to.

The other hindering factor they will face in recruiting senior staff is that anyone in post will have a none compete clause most likely on top of a significant notice period……