Minister at Elstree Aerodrome

The Government has confirmed Byron Davies as its first ever General Aviation Champion to help identify a network of UK aerodromes that are most important for non-scheduled flying to flourish. (see BTN 15 January)

Baroness Sugg, minister for aviation, made the formal announcement while visiting Elstree Aerodrome, north London, last week to discuss the importance of private flying to the economy.

Byron Davies will lead important research and engage with fliers to identify a network of strategically important airfields to help the general aviation sector develop. 

Grant Shapps MP, chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on General Aviation, said that establishing a strategic network of aerodromes will ensure a balance between transport and housing development priorities, protecting the GA sector’s contribution to the UK economy.

Baroness Sugg said: “Smaller airfields and the pilots who use them contribute £3 billion to our economy and support more than 38,000 jobs, be that through business jet operations, flying schools or leisure flying.

We want to preserve these benefits of General Aviation and ensure appropriate and proportionate protection for the significant parts of this network that underpin that contribution.

“Byron brings both passion and expertise to the role and I am confident he will work closely with fliers and researchers to shape the future of the general aviation network within the UK.”

www.gaac.org.uk

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Charles Henry, UK

GA must look forward to the future needs of GA when SET and Autonomous Drone Operations will require not only licensed but also unlicensed Airfields. Even grass strips will be required to act as Hubs for delivery of people and freight close to their chosen destinations.