Hopes for £165m economy boost as Newcastle International Airport announces cargo development
Newcastle Airport is pressing ahead with plans that could create thousands of jobs and boost the North East economy by up to £165m a year.
The proposed AirLink facility, a 620,000 sq ft development earmarked for land south of the runway, includes provision for a cargo hub which could expand the Airport’s growing cargo operations.
An estimated 4,000 tonnes of goods currently travel through the airport each year.
The site would be the only facility of its kind in the region and could create up to 1,000 direct jobs on the Airport site, with up to a further 900 roles supported through supply chains.
The Airport intends to submit a planning application in the near future.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “AirLink is an exciting development that would deliver major benefits for the North East - creating thousands of jobs, generating millions for the economy and unlocking more investment opportunities.
“This development would also build on the significant contribution the Airport already makes to the regional economy - it already adds more than £1bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) each year and is one of the region’s largest employers with around 3,500 people onsite and a further 17,000 roles are supported through its supply chain.”
Andreasen added: “Since unveiling the plans last year, we’ve had positive and constructive conversations with residents, businesses and partners about the benefits that AirLink would bring and these will continue as we progress with the proposals.
“Newcastle Airport has made a strong commitment to invest in its cargo services to meet growing demand and AirLink has the potential to transform our operations even further, strengthening the region’s position as a leading cargo gateway.”