Budget airlines 'waiting in the wings' at Coventry airport
07.01.06
The new owners of Coventry Airport have already begun trying to lure other airlines to run budget flights from the airport. They have been talking to several operators to see if they want to run low-cost flights alongside Thomsonfly as the airport expands.
Chuck Stipancic, aeronautical director of CAFCO-C, the new owners, said: 'We're in discussions with a number of airlines. I can't disclose their names, but when we do get planning approval [for a new passenger terminal] then we'll immediately be getting those airlines to come in.'
A public planning inquiry expected to last 3 months is due to start next week to determine if the airport can build a new terminal capable of handling 2 million passengers a year - 1 million in and 1 million out. Mr Stipancic said the go-ahead would open up chances for more shops, cafes and other facilities such as car rental firms and better airport parking.
'Our goal is to create value to make the airport efficient, customer friendly. whatever resources are needed to help us achieve bringing up to 2 million up to a terminal.' He added that the airport would concentrate on low-cost flights.
Alan Robinson, chairman of CAFCO-C, said Coventry was an attractive proposition because it had an underused airport next to a large centre of population. He added he was impressed with TUI's cheap flights operation, which started in March 2004 and had seen passenger numbers rise from 8,000 to 800,000.
'They've done it with good service to passengers - satisfaction is reported as very high - it's not because of shag-pile carpets, or monuments; it's about people and service,' he said.
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