‘It’s disappointing that Peel do not seem willing to match our ambition’

In the wake of the news that Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) owner Peel Group is to launch a consultation programme on the future of the site in the following the realisation that “aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable”, the business and political community have shared their thoughts on the move which could cost 800 jobs.

Oliver Coppard the new mayor for South Yorkshire said in a statement: “South Yorkshire is establishing itself as a world leading centre for advanced manufacturing, blade technology and low carbon innovation. The future is being made by businesses willing to invest in our region and make themselves an integral part of our communities. It’s disappointing that Peel do not seem willing to match our ambition for DSA and have not been able to unlock the evident potential of an airport with a prospective customer base of millions.

Oliver Coppard

“Public sector partners including Doncaster Council, the LEP and the MCA have all made significant investments in the future of DSA and the wider Gateway East development. Prior to today’s announcement my office was in discussion with Peel Group about a loan of £20m for the delivery of their plans for the airport and have been in detailed discussion with government about further developing the connectivity of the DSA site.”

He added that he was seeking “an urgent meeting” with Peel Group in order to find the best way forward and that he would be speaking directly to government about the importance of the airport for the region’s economic prospects.

The statement finished that following an urgent meeting with leaders from South Yorkshire’s four local authorities there would be a further joint statement on Thursday.

The CEOs of Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce echoed many of the mayor’s points in their own joint statement highlighting in particular that government had failed to do enough to support the aviation sector.

The statement said: “Since opening, Doncaster Sheffield Airport has made a significant contribution to South Yorkshire. The airport has created jobs, improved global connectivity and done much to attract further investment into the region. The owner, Peel, has made a significant contribution to that success.

“With the challenges facing the aviation sector it is unsurprising they are now starting this review. Any sensible business would. The government has not done enough to support the industry throughout the global pandemic. Much more should have been done to ensure the sector had sufficient resilience to bounce back.”

The three CEOs added that “airports are not just assets for their shareholders but for the economies and communities they serve” and warned that if aviation activity at the site is scaled back it would be “another major blow to the region’s infrastructure after several others, including the axing of our planned HS2 connection and rail services from South Yorkshire to Manchester Airport”.

The statement concluded that South Yorkshire Chambers would be highlighting the importance of international connectivity to get the region’s economy to “truly take off”. Adding they would “stand alongside local partners if it becomes clear that government support is needed to put the airport on a firmer footing.”

Louise Haigh MP

The calls for action from government were also taken up by Sheffield Heeley MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh, who in her letter to the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps MP stating that the region mustn’t lose the “strategic asset” which is the airport.

In the letter she said she was working with local MPs the Coppard and councillors “to ensure that [the airport] remains commercially viable”.

She adds “It would end plans being developed to put the airport at the centre of pioneering the technology for a net zero future, which is essentials.”

The letter finished: “Having neglected the needs of aviation and its workers during the pandemic, the government must engage with Peel holdings to see if there is a viable future for the airport.

“The government must now do everything in our power to support our region”.

Similarly Conservative MP Nick Fletcher tweeted he would “leave no stone unturned” in his efforts to stop the airport which is within his constituency from closing.

Looking for solutions to the issue Fletcher suggested looking north to Teesside and mirroring the actions of its metro mayor noting: “The mayor in Teesside bought their local airport from Peel Holdings can we do the same – or maybe another  private investor?”

Awful news today from Peel Holdings about @DSA_Airport.

If the airport closes then we will lose 800 jobs and we will suffer a big blow to our economy.

I will do all I can to keep the airport open.
All options need to be considered.

I will leave no stone unturned. pic.twitter.com/bA9jV6grT7

— Nick Fletcher MP (@NickFletcherMP) July 13, 2022

A government spokesperson also provided an update stating they were close contact with the airport “to understand its plans”.

Adding: “While this will be a commercial decision for the owners of the airport, we hope they conclude after consultation with stakeholders that there is a viable aviation future for the airport.

“We will continue to bring forward our plans to level up and ensure the whole of the UK has the connections people need.”