Newquay Airport will be one of the first airports to limit the damages done to the environment by the heavy pollution which occurs at airports.
Newquay airport are planning to start a programme of planting trees to counteract the environmental damage. The idea is of
carbon offsetting, the removal of the carbon in the atmosphere, from aircraft and vehicles, by increasing the florae in the area.
Newquay Airport, seen as ‘under threat’ by some, has received new investment in the form of bmibaby, who will be operating two new services to the airport.
Capt Evans, a pilot and aviation enthusiast, has written a book on the history of aviation in the Southwest.
The book begins in April 1965, as he recounts his first flights to the Islands from Newquay, Plymouth then Bristol.
Capt Evans was one of the first pilots for Brymon Airways.
His book recalls previous adventures, including his involvement with the Mafia and being rescued by a beautiful blonde in Tripoli. He also recounts famous passengers, including John Lennon, Yoko Ono, PM Harold Wilson and a to-be-assasinated Prime Minister of Grenada.
The book is available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0954882008/scillynews-21.
On 25 November, ThisIsCornwall released an article announcing there was “Fighting ‘Tooth and Nail’ For Airport”, refering to the RAF refusing to make a quick decision over the future of Newquay Airport.
However, there does not appear to be a great deal of threat to the airport.
On 27 November it is reported that Air Southwest, a budget airline, will be flying to four new destinations from Newquay: to Dublin, Leeds, Bristol and a connecting flight to Manchester.
A spokeperson from IOS Travel, who operate their Skybus service from Newquay, said: “Cornwall County Council have publicly stated that they will ensure the future of the airport.”
“As far as [IOS Travel] are concerned we will continue to operate out of Newquay airport as will Ryan Air and Air Southwest.”
This indicates that at least the commercial side of Newquay Airport is safe for the foreseeable future.
You are now able to book your Skybus tickets for 2005 online. A representative of the company said: “even though the cost of fuel is rocketing, we are allowing customers to get this year’s fares if they book now.”
Flights to and from the islands have not been affected by the air traffic problems that mainland Britain are experiencing.
Computer problems grounded many flights from the UK and passengers have been subject to delays.
A BIH helicopter had to land at RAF Poltreath after the heliport at St Mary’s suddenly became engulfed in fog.
The incident happened on Saturday when the helicopter was returning from the islands.
The helicopter was making its second attempt to land when crew were told that conditions were worsening. They were flying over RAF Poltreath so instead made a safe landing there. Passengers were then taken to Penzance.
An internal investigation into the incident concluded that there was no indication of the sudden change in weather and that the helicopter carries more than enough fuel for diversionary flights.
It has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Canadian engineers have been jetted in to fit one of the islands? twin otters with new wings.
Wings being replaced is standard after the aircraft has flown a certain amount of hours. This is carried out by the manufacturers and in this case they are Canadian.
The plane, owned by Skybus, is one of a fleet that runs from the islands to Lands End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol, Southampton and Bournmouth. The aircarft is also being given a respray.
Cornwall?s Council leaders will take on the financial liabilities of Newquay Airport.
Restormel District Council, which shares funding for the airport with Cornwall County Council, been able to discard it?s finacial ties to the airport?s debt of more than ?500,000.
Other district councils had been asked to contribute to the airport but most refused so Cornwall County Council have taken over the finances.
Cornwall County Council leader John Lobb has admitted that there will be an impact on the council tax payer. But he has also revealed that there will be more promotion of the airport as well.
Flight?s to Newquay from the islands are in doubt after it has been revealed that Restormel Borough Council wants to withdraw its funding for the airport.
The council says it is concerned that the burden of funding has fallen unfairly on people in Restormel.
The cabinet is going to consult Cornwall County Council to see if they will take over Restormal?s half of the finance that they currently share.
Each council spends about ?150,000 each on maintaining the popular airport. In the last couple of years the number of passengers has shot up to nearly a quarter of a million a year.
Restormel leader Joan Vincent, said: “We have had concerns for some time about our budget. We already have a shortfall of ?1.7m and to find extra money is well-nigh impossible.
“We have considered putting a levy on all passengers using Newquay Airport, but Ryanair said it would pull out if we did that.”
Restormal have asked other Cornish councils to pay ?50,000 but these have been refused.
At this time of year Skybus fly around 14 flights to and from St Marys
to Newquay.
Jeff Marston, the Chief Executive for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company who run Skybus, told Scilly News: ?Cornwall County Council has said publicly that it remains committed to Newquay as an airport. The council is currently exploring ways of dealing with the funding shortfall and we?re confident that a way forward will be found. Our Skybus operation has just recorded its most successful ever December and we remain wholly committed to Newquay.?