Airport plans new visitor centre
14.07.08
Newcastle Airport has acquired Samson Aviation Services Limited, a general aviation business located on the south side of the airport, in a deal valued at £450,000. The deal forms part of the airport's plans to redevelop the south side of the airport, including the creation of a new visitor centre and viewing area, a business park and the expansion of Newcastle College's Aviation Academy. The acquisition also brings the original 1930s airport terminal building back under the airport's ownership.
Dave Laws, chief executive of Newcastle Airport, said: ‘We're delighted to acquire Samson Aviation. It has been successfully operated for 15 years and is in very good shape. It has grown and has established an excellent reputation. We want to build on that success and have ambitious plans to grow business aviation and other light aircraft activity at Newcastle International. Our aim is to transform the airport into one of the country's foremost bases for private aircraft owners.’
As well as a range of commercial clientele, the private terminal handles transatlantic delivery flights, emergency ambulance movements, freight flights and military operations. The airport also has plans for the original passenger terminal building dating back to 1935 when the airport first began operating commercial flights.
Mr Laws said: ‘With our 75th anniversary just two years away, we hope to be able to refurbish the original terminal building and restore it to its former 1930s glory. Our hope is to turn it into a new visitor centre with an outdoor viewing area overlooking the airfield. We know there's been strong demand for this type of facility ever since the viewing gallery in the modern terminal closed in 2003.'
The original terminal building was opened on July 26, 1935, by the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Phillip Cunliffe-Lister. In recent years the building has been operated as a private bar and restaurant for Aero Club members and airport staff. Mr Laws said: ‘Hopefully our plans will help us give something back to the local community and will be welcomed by those who wish to come to the airport as visitors and spectators, not just as passengers.’
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