Blackpool Airport secures government support

Blackpool Council has secured specialist government support to help it develop and market Blackpool Airport to potential business customers.

The council successfully bid for bespoke, specialist assistance which will be provided by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority through its Airfield Development Advisory Fund (ADAF).

Support will be delivered 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).

Blackpool Council applied for 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 also seeks support with virtual aircraft control and tower operations and technology, airspace modernisation strategy, alternative power generation and electric aircraft operations.

Cllr 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."

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