Carlisle back after 25 years

After 25 years and two delays, Carlisle Lake District Airport (CAX) opened officially to scheduled commercial flying last week with special features including free parking and a free minibus shuttle from Carlisle train station.

The airport, owned and operated by the Stobart Group, has teamed up with Loganair to offer air links to and from Dublin, Southend and Belfast City airports and connectivity between Cumbria, southeast England and Ireland.

Once an RAF airfield CAX now serves an important business area including BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness and Sellafield and has been transformed with a new terminal, café and new runways and taxiways (BTN 22 April).

Transport secretary Chris Grayling welcomed the development and noted the government’s Aviation 2050 strategy outlined its ambition to support regional airports. Carlisle’s arrival “will bring new international opportunities for the north west”.

Stobart Group director of partnership development Kate Willard added: “It is not only a significant new part of the Northern Powerhouse’s transport infrastructure but also a shining beacon of confidence and pride for Cumbria, Carlisle, the wider Lake District region and the Borderlands.”

Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles described the new routes as “a complete game-changer for connectivity with London and Ireland and extremely beneficial for the business community”.

www.loganair.co.uk

www.carlisleairport.co.uk

www.stobartgroup.co.uk

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David Bentley, Manchester, UK

What a bland statement from Grayling, "it will bring new opportunities for the northwest". In reality it will bring new opportunities for North Cumbria and parts of Southern Scotland. Good luck to it, hope it succeeds,but don't expect anyone from Manchester or Liverpool to be beating a path there.