CWL releases draft masterplan

CWL has released it’s draft masterplan in response to the 2003 government white paper, detailing how it will cope with increased passenger numbers by 2015 & 2030. Some of the key findings are listed below:

The Cardiff International draft Master Plan, published in response to the Government’s 2003 “The Future of Air Transport” White Paper, shows how the airport can balance growth in the demand for accessible travel with care for its neighbours and the environment at large.

. Virtually all expansion can happen within the existing airport boundaries. The airport’s runway is already suitable – just a short taxiway extension will provide more capacity. Cardiff’s existing terminal, with changes and the provision of more aircraft parking will accommodate the forecast growth. Multi-storey car parking on existing sites will be necessary.

. As flights take off over the sea or agricultural land, noise impacts affect very limited areas. Even if aircraft engine development halted over the next 25 years, there will be just a small increase in the number of homes exposed to noise levels at the lower threshold of nuisance. No significant impact is predicted on either local schools or hospitals.

. More air passengers will mean more jobs and business growth for South Wales. Air travel’s importance to Wales’ businesses is highlighted by the fact that the airport’s future growth is supported by CBI Wales, the Wales TUC and Tourism Wales.

. The future of the RAF St. Athan Defence Training Review project, growth in the Welsh aerospace industry and many other development projects rely on the airport’s access to the world.

. Because of the wider travel and holiday opportunities from the airport contribute to a better lifestyle for the residents of Wales, it will also help attract inward investment.

. Access is vital – better public transport and roads are needed. People want better access to Cardiff International Airport but the question is how? Public transport enhancements by rail and bus are being encouraged. On road access, the airport supports conclusions reached in the “A48/A4232 Culverhouse Cross Study and Airport Access Study” submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government.

ENDS.

http://www.cwlfly.com/masterplan

Below is another news article that has been released on the CWL website. It says the airport will welcome “new scheduled and low cost airlines together with a new network of holiday flights” during 2006. Correct me if I’m wrong, but WOW & RE are more scheduled airlines than locos. :rolleyes:

Cardiff International Airport has published its draft Master Plan for public consultation, in response to a UK Government White Paper on air transport*.

The Government asked all British airports to forecast how they would manage increased passenger numbers by the years 2015 and 2030. Cardiff International’s ideas are to be discussed in local public meetings over the next six weeks before their Plan is finalised for the Department of Transport.

Teams of top aviation, environmental and economic development consultants worked on the Plan with the airport’s management for over a year, leading to forecasts that the airport’s users will grow to five million passengers a year by 2015 and around eight million by 2030.

Airport Managing Director Jon Horne said: “Such Master Plans are based upon policy-making, rather than firm development proposals, since they make fixed assumptions. However, they form a substantial opportunity for dialogue and we embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm.

“Unlike many other airports, we do not expect to need more land nor create significant environmental impact from our current premises. In addition, judicious use of public transport with intelligently developed road and rail access will also minimise the effects on our surroundings.”

Airport management stress that the company is fully committed to funding the predicted investment as part of continuing enhancement to the facility. Last week, Cardiff International announced £7 million of improvements for 2006, to ensure that the airport can provide capacity for predicted growth of 22% and more than two million passengers in this year alone.

During 2006, the airport will welcome new scheduled and low cost airlines together with a new network of holiday flights.

The draft Master Plan is available for download from the airport website(http://www.cwlfly.com/masterplan) in English and Welsh and via public libraries in the airport area. Copies are also being sent to policy-makers and single interest groups.

Summaries are to be distributed at seven public meetings in the airport neighbourhood, with senior management available to discuss details and questions.

Responses will be gathered via a telephone hot line, response form and Internet response form.