Durham Tees Valley: Passenger facility fee will help secure Airport’s future
15-Oct-2010 Peel Airports have today announced that Durham Tees Valley is to follow a number of other UK regional airports - and many others elsewhere in the world - by introducing a Passenger Facility Fee on 15th November 2010.
Peel Airports believe that the continued support of all sections of the community is vital in safeguarding the future of Durham Tees Valley Airport and that local airports depend on local people. As a consequence, in a month's time, all adult passengers departing from Durham Tees Valley will pay a fee of £6, with a £2 charge for children between the ages of 3 and 15.
The company's decision to introduce the fee has been taken after a great deal of careful thought and is an important part of the overall strategy to secure the Airport's future by stabilising the financial situation after the impact of the decline in passengers over recent years.
Similar schemes are already in operation at several other UK airports - including Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich, as well as both Knock and just announced at Galway in Ireland. It is a common arrangement at airports in many other countries, including many within the portfolio of airports operated by Vancouver Airport Services, the new majority owners of Peel Airports.
Craig Richmond, Chief Executive of Peel Airports explained "It is no secret that all sections of the transport industry have felt the impact of the global recession-and in many respects it has been especially difficult for local airports such as Durham Tees Valley.
"When Vancouver Airport Services took the decision to invest in Peel Airports I made it clear that putting Durham Tees Valley on a firm financial footing and making every effort to increase services would be a top priority.
"I remain optimistic that the airport has a bright long-term future provided we can meet the current challenges. We are working hard to develop new opportunities and attract new services, despite conditions in the aviation industry remaining very tough. At the same time we have already made very substantial savings in our operating costs and that drive for improvements in efficiency will need to continue.
"Of course, no-one likes being asked to pay money, but I hope that customers - and indeed the whole local community - will recognise that it is something we have to do if the airport is to be able to move forward.
"I have been greatly impressed by the sense of support and pride which local people feel in Durham Tees Valley-not least our local authority shareholders. Now more than ever is the time for people to maintain that support and share our faith that this is an airport which can have an exciting future."
When the Fee is introduced from next month passengers will be able to pay at machines in the terminal which will issue tickets enabling them to pass through security and into the departure areas.