Airline operator Loganair operated the first commercial flight at Carlisle Lake District Airport, UK, in more than 25 years today (July 4), following a series of terminal and runway improvements by the Stobart Group, the airport owner.
Carlisle Airport will offer routes to Dublin, London Southend and Belfast City airports, opening Cumbria and the Lake District region to the Southeast of England, Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.
Among other top attractions and business destinations, Carlisle Lake District Airport is situated next to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, the former frontier of the Roman Empire in the UK.
The region’s businesses, including BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness and Sellafield, will also benefit from quick, easy and affordable flights.
Kate Willard, director of partnership development for Stobart Group, said, “We are made up to see this amazing project launch today. Not only is this airport a significant new part of the Northern Powerhouse’s transport infrastructure – it is also a shining beacon of confidence and pride for Cumbria, Carlisle, the wider Lake District region and the Borderlands.”
Chris Grayling, transport secretary for the UK, said, “It’s fantastic to be here as passenger flights return to Carlisle airport for the first time in 26 years, bringing new connections, jobs and investment to the region. Our Aviation 2050 strategy outlines our ambition to support regional airports and today’s announcement will bring new international opportunities for the north west.”
Jake Berry MP, Northern Powerhouse minister, said, “Giving businesses and communities in Cumbria – the true North – the investment and connectivity they need to flourish lies at the heart of our vision for the Northern Powerhouse and our ‘whole North’ approach to building a rebalanced and prosperous economy which works for everyone.
“I am proud to witness the first commercial flight to Carlisle Airport in a quarter of a century thanks to support from the government’s Local Growth Fund. This will not only boost the free-flow of goods, people and services, but also drive national and international tourism to this beautiful part of the Northern Powerhouse.”
