Watson - "Local airports = Local jobs, local tourism and planet conservation"

12.35.06pm GMT Thu 2nd Feb 2006

Joe Walsh, Director of Planning and Development, Graham Watson MEP and Peter Duffy, Bournemouth Airport Managing Director

The Dorset Lib Dem Euro-MP, Graham Watson, was this week treated to a 'behind-the scenes' visit to Bournemouth Airport, part of the Manchester Airports Group. During Graham's visit on Monday, he met Peter Duffy, the airport's Managing Director, and Joe Walsh, the airport's Director of Planning and Development. Graham was joined by Councillor John Hayter, who has responsibility for transport on Bournemouth Council.

Graham was briefed by Peter Duffy on the significant growth which Bournemouth Airport has seen recently, with the establishment of a Thomsonfly.com airline base in March 2005 along with a number of other services. Five different airlines now operate scheduled services from the airport, and the founder operators, Palmair, the tour operator for independent travel company Bath Travel, run an ever expanding programme from Bournemouth Airport.

Graham said;

"In 2004 the airport handled 450,000 passengers. This year they are anticipating an increase to 1.2 million. This is a considerable increase over a short period and the airport is now looking at the necessary infrastructure changes to enable them to handle the extra passengers. I hope Bournemouth Airport will make these changes in a sympathetic way, mindful of the considerations of members of the local community.

The success of local airports such as Bournemouth can bring many benefits. The creation of local jobs, the benefit to the local tourist industry (passengers travel to as well as from the UK) and the environmental savings from being able to fly from a local airport rather than having to travel to Gatwick or Heathrow. Working together with the local communities, the airport will be able to bring great benefits."