Robin Hood Airport gears up for big take-off

23 December 2004

Doncaster's four MPs, Caroline Flint, Kevin Hughes, Rosie Winterton and Jeff Ennis have given full marks to preparations for the opening of Robin Hood Airport, after their visit to inspect the layout of the new terminal.

Said Don Valley MP Caroline Flint: "The terminal building is moving on apace. The whole site is stepping up a gear to be ready for those first flights in April. The 21,000 people who bought tickets in the first week of sales confirmed the huge demand there is to fly from Robin Hood Airport."

Doncaster North MP Kevin Hughes was pleased with the jobs already created: "There are over 100 firms based at the business park already and dozens of local firms supplying materials and services. With 800 people on site at present, there are more people working here every week."

Doncaster Central MP, Rosie Winterton welcomed the new training partnership that involves Doncaster College: "Doncaster College is playing a central role in offering the training courses for jobs at the airport. Over 100 qualifications are on offer, and recruitment of trainee cabin crew begins in January."

Jeff Ennis felt the benefits were already spreading across South Yorkshire: "Specialist firms are being brought in from across the county, with Barnsley and Doncaster firms contributing to the construction. This is an incredible operation managed by Bovis Lendlease. This will be an airport for the whole of South Yorkshire to be proud of," said Jeff.

The MPs were given a guided tour of the 120 metre terminal by David Ryall, RHA Managing Director and Neil Pakey, Managing Director of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, before viewing a "virtual walk-through" of how the terminal will look and work.

The MPs were advised of the "green construction" policies and shown how military buildings and hard standings that were demolished were recycled for use in the car park and roadways. Sand and gravel used in the construction was also sourced on site. The MPs also received briefing on the conservation measures employed to protect or translocate wildlife as part of a strict ecology plan.

The car park and fire station are completed and once the air traffic control tower is finished, test flights and emergency procedures are rehearsed as part of the strict safety tests that all airports must complete to receive a licence.

Pic shows: L to r Neil Pakey, Rosie Winterton, Caroline Flint, David Ryall and Jeff Ennis in front of the 70 metre wide terminal and the 700 tonne crane used in the construction.