Blackpool Airport to get specialist support to help guide its future aviation development

Blackpool Council applied for expert help awarded through the Airfield Development Advisory Fund which closed at the start of December, with successful applicants being revealed this month.

It will mean the team running the airport will get consultancy advice to assist with commercial marketing activity to help secure new business, assessing and identifying viable routes, potential operators and partner airfields.

The council was also seeking support with virtual aircraft control and tower operations and technology, airspace modernisation strategy, alternative power generation and electric aircraft operations.

The Airfield Development Advisory Fund (ADAF) provides eligible UK airfields and associated businesses access to professional and business advice to support their future development.

The advice offered will include bespoke, specialist assistance on activities such as planning and conservation policy, accountancy, business model development and innovation.

The advisory fund is managed by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority and administered by ICF, a global consulting and digital services provider. Blackpool will receive up to five days professional guidance and advisory services across a range of disciplines, by UK based experts pre-selected by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Coun Gillian Campbell, Chair of the Airport Board said, “The masterplan for the airport has identified a range of viable potential business streams for the airport over the next few years and we are currently exploring various avenues of activity that would secure a long term, sustainable future for Blackpool Airport.

"Additional expert advice to assist us with our strategic business planning will be hugely beneficial in helping us to realise both our limitations, and our ambitions for the airport.”

Advice will be given to the airport before March 2021 and will help to shape the airport’s business plan over the next 12 months.

The Airfield Development Advisory Fund was originally launched by aviation Mminister, Paul Maynard, in February 2020, and its aim is to increase support for airfield owners, operators, local councils and associated businesses, helping them upskill, thrive and grow.

At the time the government said : "Airfields are an integral part of the £3bn general aviation sector and considered the grassroots of the entire aviation sector, however many have often struggled with business development and financial sustainability.

"This new funding aims to ensure airfield businesses receive access to advisors, offering help on a range of legal and business-related topics to support their future development."

At the time Paul Maynard said: "The UK government recognises the enormous contribution smaller airfields make to the UK economy, and to the people they serve, where many aviation careers take first flight. We’re committed to protecting our airfields and easing the challenges that many businesses face."

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