Aviation Minister, Robert Goodwill, visited Cornwall Airport Newquay yesterday and officially opened the Aerohub Business Park.
The minister toured the airport, which generates millions of pounds for the Cornish economy per year, and officially opened the Aerohub Business Park within the already established enterprise zone — Aerohub at Cornwall Airport Newquay.
Passenger numbers at the airport increased by 15% to 252,000 last year and is forecast to increase to 375,000 this year thanks to the introduction of a number of new routes.
The airport’s success has been boosted by the Aerohub Enterprise Zone, launched in 2011, which has generated hundreds of jobs and attracted new businesses. The new business park , opened by the minister yesterday (Feb 11), will accommodate over 2,000,000 ft² of hangar space, offices and manufacturing, and is expected to generate “thousands of jobs”.
Goodwill said: “The growth in new routes and passenger numbers at Cornwall Airport Newquay has been significant and it is great to see the positive benefits this is bringing to the local community. Our smaller airports are vital engines for local economies, connecting the UK and opening up opportunities which is why we are determined to continue supporting them.
“The Aerohub has made a real difference to the local economy, generating hundreds of jobs and attracting new businesses and is a real success story for the Government’s enterprise zones programme. The new business park I have officially opened will help deliver even more economic growth.”
The Aerohub is led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and Cornwall Council as the owners of the airport and surrounding land. More than a dozen companies are located at the airport, including Apple Aviation, British International Helicopters and AgustaWestland. It is also home to the new search and rescue service run by Bristow Helicopters.
