Northern airports join forces to back £100bn transport plan

Airports across the North of England have joined forces to back a 30-year transport plan.

All of the major airports have endorsed the Transport for the North’s draft Strategic Transport Plan.

The plan is the first of its kind and outlines how transport connections across the North of need to be transformed by 2050 to drive growth and close the economic gap between the region and the rest of England.

The plan could deliver a £100bn economic boost and 850,000 additional jobs by 2050.

Barry White, Transport for the North’s new chief executive, said: “An incredible amount of work has gone into the production of the draft Strategic Transport Plan including collaboration between the public and private sector across the whole of the North.

“The plan is underpinned with a robust evidence base making a compelling case for the investment priorities that would transform the economy of the North and the UK as a whole.

“I’m delighted that we’re now in a position to share this work with the public and invite their questions and comments. This is crucial to ensuring the plan is fit for purpose and meets the needs and aspirations of those who will benefit from improved infrastructure and economic prosperity, the citizens of the North.”

Andrew Cowan, chief executive of Manchester Airport, said: “We welcome Transport for the North’s draft strategic plan and its recognition about the importance for people and businesses across the North to have easy access to global markets.

“Large-scale investment in transport infrastructure, through projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and High Speed 2, is key to unlocking the North’s full potential.

“Integrating both of these schemes with the international connections at Manchester Airport, will ensure that the benefits from these investments through greater access to global markets are spread across the whole of the North.”

Robert Hough, chairman of Peel Airports – the owners of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport, said “Unlocking the significant existing capacity for both passenger and cargo services in the North will provide a clear economic benefit for the regions and the UK. Improvements in surface access to Northern airports will be vital to realising this, supporting enhanced connectivity, and ensuring growth is spread across the North.”

David Laws, chief executive, Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “As an international gateway for the largest region in the UK, a fast, reliable and high capacity transport network is key to the future economic prosperity of Yorkshire and Leeds Bradford Airport. Improved connectivity and surface access is vital to our ambition to further improve, expand and develop our offering at the airport over the coming years.”

Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, said: “There is huge demand from London, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to visit Carlisle, which is home to major businesses and serves as a gateway to the Lake District, two UNSCO World Heritage Sites and South Scotland.

“We at Carlisle Lake District Airport are therefore delighted to support Transport for the North’s ambitious Strategic Transport Plan. A major part of this initiative is about how transport connections can support airports in the North of England and how this important economic region of the UK maintains and grows international business and tourism connectivity.”

Deborah Zost, Managing Director of Humberside Airport, said: “We welcome Transport for the North’s draft strategic transport plan as it highlights the importance of regional airports in the north and the vital role airports play as international gateways to northern England. Any improvements giving greater accessibility by road or ground transport that helps to drive further growth and development can only enhance the economic contribution that airports bring to the north.”

A final version of the plan will be published later in the year and submitted to the Government for ministerial consideration.