Aerospace businessThe Newquay Cornwall Airport Masterplan is being reviewed to "consider the changes in the aviation environment over the last five years" and how it can be more "commercially and environmentally self-sustaining".

The public is being asked to comment on the refreshed plans as a six week public consultation is launched with a two day event to be held in the airport terminal.

The current airport masterplan was approved by Cornwall Council in June 2009, but since then "the global economic downturn has had a significant effect on the aviation sector".

To ensure that development is based on accurate and current information, including the establishment of the Enterprise Zone (EZ) in 2012, it is the right time to review and refresh the plan to take the Airport and EZ forward for the next 10 years.

Adam Paynter, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for partnerships, said “Cornwall Council recognises Newquay Cornwall Airport’s importance to the Cornish economy and is committed to its sustainable development. The refresh of the masterplan will identify how the airport can help Cornwall to grow its economy through the creation of an aerospace cluster and other airport related business activity and is vital for the connectivity it provides.”

The Masterplan review explores the options available for the airport to provide high quality facilities and a business environment to meet modern aviation needs. It also investigates the possibility of providing a new sustainable aerospace business cluster to attract aviation industries.

Al Titterington, managing director of Newquay Cornwall Airport, said “The aviation industry is starting to emerge from its worst decline in decades so it is important that the Masterplan is updated to reflect a new and emerging industry sector and that communities and stakeholders are kept updated on our development plans.

“I believe the proposals on display will clearly identify not only how the Airport plans to develop airline and commercial operations but also outlines how the Airport plans to attract aviation related industries to the Enterprise Zone. The development of aviation and engineering businesses onsite is now as relevant to the Airport’s success as the commercial agreements planned with airlines.

“The public consultation at the Airport will showcase updated information on how the airport aims to meet the needs of the aviation industry and how we will deliver results for the traveler using the services as well as for supporting the local economy”.

Cornwall Development Company (CDC), on behalf of Cornwall Airport Ltd and Cornwall Council, commissioned the project to review the masterplan and the work undertaken so far will now be made available through a public consultation.

The general public, businesses and decision makers in Cornwall are all invited to attend a two day public event at the airport, where the proposals will be displayed in the terminal building.

The event takes place on Sunday, November 30 from 12pm to 7:30pm and on Monday, December 1, from 6am until 7pm. One hour of free car parking will be available for those visiting specifically to attend the consultation.

All materials will also be available online on the Council’s website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/airportmasterplan from the November 30, 2014 and there will be an opportunity to leave feedback and comments as well details of the consultation event.

The information will also be made available in other locations around the county, the dates and venues of which will be confirmed soon.

Newquay Cornwall Airport has been shortlisted as a possible location for the UK Spaceport and the refreshed Masterplan will be an important document that would support any potential bid from Cornwall. The Airport Masterplan refresh is funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Infrastructure and Business Development Project.