Airport revamp group's take-off
A SPECIAL group set up by First Minister Carwyn Jones to look at securing a bright future for Cardiff Airport has met for the first time.
The Cardiff Airport Task Force will examine the competitive position of the airport and brings together the site's owners, the Welsh Government and business leaders.
Among the group's aims is to look at ways to improve the airport, grow the number of flights, expand connectivity with other countries, improve passengers' experience and boost economic investment.
The First Minister chaired the meeting which included representatives from Cardiff Airport, St Athan Enterprise Zone, British Airways Maintenance, CBI Wales, the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, Trade Unions, the Vale of Glamorgan County Council and the Welsh Local Government Association.
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Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister said: "Wales, as a confident European nation, needs a national airport we can all be proud of. I have established this new Task Force for one clear reason – to make sure Cardiff Airport grows and thrives.
"I want Cardiff Airport to realise its true potential as a modern, well connected success at the heart of our national infrastructure."
Comments
by Petert53
Thursday, June 28 2012, 7:57PM
“abertawejack
Am I missing something here? As far as I know, Cardiff Airport is owned by TBI plc, a subsidiary of Abertis airports. It is they that are running the airport. The WAG, in the form of First Minister Carwyn Jones has helsd a meeting to see what they can do to improve the service. I remember when the airport was owned by the three Glamorgan councils and it was dire, so I am thanjful that the WAG will never take ownership as they could not afford it. I strongly suspect the meeting reported above was basically a kite flying excercise which, without financial support from the owners will achieve little or nothing.
I'm sure there is no truth in the rumour that the only PSO service - Anglesey to Cardiff - was set up to allow north Wales AM's to travel to Cardiff. I note however that the original carrier, Highland Airways failed and the service has been run by Manx2 - I wonder if they are being subsidised?
I agree with leakingtap that until a major carrier such as EasyJet or Ryan Air are attracted then there will be no improvement.
The other thing badly needed, which would give the WAG a chance to put its money where its mouth is' would be to build a railway terminal on the site - that would hopefully put paid to Bristol Airport which is a pain to access.”
by abertawejack
Thursday, June 28 2012, 6:19PM
“Cardiff airport was doing quite well under the auspices of certain councils, they made good profit for tax payers yet were forced to sell it. Now we have the WAG's doing basically the same thing in running it as a going concern. Fair enough I can understand their theory here so let's give them a chance to show what they can do. May I suggest that the people who ran it last time be opted on board this "Special Committee" as it appears to me they did a top notch job the last time, their input would be invaluable. I enjoyed using Cardiff airport it was ideal for the Principality in general, so get them routes that were used last time: up up and away.”
by Petert53
Thursday, June 28 2012, 3:53PM
“A SPECIAL group set up by First Minister Carwyn Jones to look at securing a bright future for Cardiff Airport has met for the first time and achieved what exactly?
-”
by leakingtap
Thursday, June 28 2012, 8:51AM
“Blah Blah Blah - another politicians talking shop with plenty of expenses claims added on for good measure. No one cares if they build a new cafe or toilet block - tens of thousands of South Wales residents drive past Cardiff every day to get flights from Bristol, Birmingham & London & the reason is simple....
They offer flights to the destinations people want to travel to!
Until Cardiff secure a series player like Easyjet nothing will change. Only Cardiff Airport can facilitate this by making it attractive for airlines to use Cardiff. Lower landing & handling fees & better take off / landing times - unless of course the Welsh Assembly Government actually want to be serious players & devolve passenger air duty from Westminster - fat chance.”