Mayor's deal to buy airport 'huge moment' says Doncaster Chamber
The deal has been welcomed by business bossess
The decision to buy Doncaster Sheffield Airport by the region’s mayor is a “huge moment,” business chiefs have said.
Doncaster Chamber has welcomed the announcement that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has agreed to purchase the freehold of Doncaster Sheffield Airport from Peel, describing it as a significant vote of confidence in the airport’s future.
The Chamber congratulated all parties on reaching a constructive agreement and called for the milestone to mark a decisive shift towards preparing for launch, securing customers and building a commercially successful airport.
Dan Fell MBE, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: “Congratulations to SYMCA, Peel, Doncaster Council and everyone who has worked to reach this agreement.
“It demonstrates what can be achieved when parties find common ground and focus on the long-term opportunity for Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
“By agreeing to buy the freehold, SYMCA is sending a powerful signal of confidence in the airport proposition.
“As the project’s funders, its willingness to make this commitment should help build confidence among prospective carriers, commercial partners and investors considering commitments of their own.
“That confidence matters. Airlines need certainty when planning routes, partners need confidence to build their operations, and investors need to know that South Yorkshire is serious about delivering this project.
“The economic prize reaches well beyond passenger flights.
“DSA can support international trade, freight, tourism and inward investment, alongside opportunities in advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation. The task now is to turn that potential into commercial agreements, jobs and growth.
“This agreement should draw a line under the prolonged period of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
“All effort must now be directed towards mobilising for launch and commercial success. We need to move from securing the airport’s future to empowering and building the business that will deliver it.”
Doncaster Chamber has consistently championed the airport’s reopening, working with businesses, political leaders and partners across South Yorkshire to make the case for its wider economic importance.