Lifeline grants for hard-hit SW airports
AIRPORTS across the South West can now apply for a Government grant worth up to £8 million, creating a potential lifeline for a sector hard hit by coronavirus restrictions.
The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme will help commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the Covid19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills.
Six airports in the South West will benefit – Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly), Land’s End and Newquay.
Airports and ground handlers can apply and, if successful, should receive funding by the end of the financial year.
The new scheme, which follows the Government’s extension of the
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, is open for applications until February 21.
The investment will support airports following the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In January, the operators of Exeter Airport joined calls for a package of measures to support UK aviation as it battled to survive through the pandemic.
For example, at Exeter passenger numbers were down by 94% during August, 2020. In May, 2019, 97,000 passengers used the airport, but in May, 2020, the equivalent figure was just nine.
From the beginning of the financial year to the end of July, passenger numbers dropped by 99.5% compared to the same period a year earlier.
Trade organisation ADS Group, Airlines UK, and the Airport Operators Association (AOA), who together represent UK airlines, airports and aircraft manufacturers, have called for measures including financial support for companies affected, swift delivery of a more resilient testing system to support a resumption in international travel, and relief from levies, duties and charges.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “A thriving aviation industry has been central to the success of this country and, while we recognise the testing conditions airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I believe the sector will be ready to bounce back once restrictions are lifted.
“Today’s scheme is another step in the right direction, providing vital support for an industry that is raring to get back to business, once it is safe to do so.”
The Government said it is supporting the aviation sector by this delivery of up to £8 million of financial support for every commercial airport in England.
It stressed the support will address fixed costs and be equivalent to the business rates liabilities of each business, capped at up to £8 million per site, and subject to certain conditions. It also said it is creating a Global Travel Taskforce to support the travel industry and the safe recovery of international travel.