Airport boss still chasing new airline

The Squires Gate airport has been without a commercial operator since the collapse of Citywing earlier this year.

The Manx-based operator was forced into liquidation when Van Air Europe, which flew on its behalf, lost the right to fly in the UK.

Chris Formby, back in charge at Blackpool, insists bringing back the Isle of Man shuttle service is still an ambition.

Writing in the airport’s newsletter, he said: “For our part, the airport did everything it could to support Citywing throughout its time here, particularly when we were made aware of the financial pressure they were under following the grounding of Van Air.

“We continue to explore options to find a suitable viable operator to continue with the Blackpool Isle of Man route.”

In the meantime Mr Formby, who replaced Jay Gates as boss at the Squires Gate site last month, is hoping for good news on the air show front, with the Red Arrows a top target to base themselves at Blackpool.

He said: “We have approached the Red Arrows to encourage them, and other air show display aircraft, to operate from the airport this summer.

“ The Reds plan their tours a year in advance so if we’re not successful this year, we should certainly be on their list for 2018.”