Newcastle opens £14m lounge

The £14m redevelopment of Newcastle’s departure lounge was hailed by aviation minister Robert Goodwill last week as the latest success story for regional airports.

He also praised the “massive impact” on the north east by the airport, which handled more than 4.5m passengers last year, serves more than 70 destinations and contributes an estimated £646m a year to the local economy.

It also figures in the government’s latest aviation initiative after it was announced last month that a new flight connecting Newcastle and Norwich would be one of the new domestic and international routes receiving part of a £7m investment through the Regional Air Connectivity Fund. The flights will begin next year.

The minister noted that the north east was a “vital part” of the Northern Powerhouse. “We have seen that serious investment is coming here,” he added.

“Business people can get all around the world from this airport, including Dubai and New York. It is a shining example of how our regional airports lead the way with their service and range of destinations.”

Airport chief executive David Laws said of the new lounge: “Our passengers’ journeys begin here and it’s vital we give them the best possible experience."  www.newcastleairport.com

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