Cardiff Airport has outlined ambitious plans to become an outstanding capital city airport ‘connecting Wales to the World and the World to Wales’.
The draft masterplan was launched by Rt Honourable Carwyn Jones, first minister of Wales; the cabinet secretary for economy and transport, Ken Skates, airport chairman Roger Lewis and airport CEO, Deb Barber. It underpins how the airport must be integrated into both local and national planning and sets out the airport’s mission to be a sustainable airport business generating significant economic benefit for Wales.
This masterplan has been created to set out milestones up to the year 2040 that enable us to meet our vision for the future and position Cardiff Airport as a key part of the UK’s transport strategy. We have ambitious plans for growth which can only be achieved if we enhance our infrastructure and create a five-star airport experience for customers that’s efficient, modern and enjoyable.
Deb Barber, CEO, Cardiff Airport.
With aspirations to grow from 1.5 million passengers (which it currently caters for) to 3 million passengers per annum, the airport’s facilities must not only meet growing passenger numbers, but also the modern travellers’ expectations.
The masterplan highlights Cardiff’s potential as an international gateway, building upon its efficient, safe and secure 24/7 operations, and its potential for attracting new airlines, securing new routes and providing customers travelling to and from the region with more choice. It also highlights the need to diversify the airport to create and develop opportunities for aviation, cargo, education, technology and innovation.
The plan also features a proposal for a new terminal incorporating smart technology to be built to create a ‘memorable first and last impression’ for those arriving and departing from Wales. Plus, it underpins the need to improve the airport’s green credentials so that it can meet environmental and social commitments.
Meanwhile a new four-star hotel will be the airport’s first on-site hotel, offering more choice in local accommodation from which visitors can explore the region. It will also cater for business travellers requiring meeting rooms and conferencing facilities.
Describing the plans as “ambitious yet achievable”, first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said these improvements “will enable the airport to continue its development of further aviation links to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, which will improve its competitiveness and attractiveness as a gateway to international travel and trade.”
Written by: Chloe Greenbank
If you have any feedback about this article or would like to suggest a topic for future investigation, please contact us.
