Coventry Airport expansion to create major job boost for region

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:31:00 GMT

Around 10,000 jobs could be created in a major boost for the region as a result of plans to create a £250 million economic hub at Coventry Airport.

Sir Peter Rigby, who bought Coventry Airport last April, has announced a major scheme which could create up to 10,000 jobs by 2015.

The vision of Sir Peter Rigby, the chairman of Coventry Airport, is to ensure the growth and sustainability of the airport through two complementary development projects – the airport and its infrastructure and a joint venture to develop the environment around the airport.

That will include both a technology office park and manufacturing and distribution investment opportunities – totaling more than 200 acres – alongside improving the airport’s passenger terminal and cargo facilities.

The 65-acre office park would include a new junction from the A45 – which would also be designed to cure traffic problems at the Tollbar island.

As well as developing the passenger terminal and cargo facilities, investment in the airport infrastructure would create an on-site hotel, restaurant, car parking and airside related hangarage and facilities including a new access road.

Sir Peter said the proposed development would also re-establish passenger flights which would be a major boost to the local economy.

He said Coventry Airport would be consulting with residents and businesses to integrate the organisation within the local community.

“Since we bought Coventry Airport, our management has been very much community focused and, as always, we are looking to work with the community we serve and bring jobs to the area,” he said.

“Our plans to improve the airport’s infrastructure and facilities will benefit the entire West Midlands because we want Coventry Airport to act as an economic catalyst for job creation and income generation.

“As soon as is practicable, we aim to re-establish passenger airlines which will reduce travel time for business and leisure travellers and, crucially at this time, our proposals will lead to the creation of up to 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

“We would have the immediate capacity to serve one million passengers a year by re-starting airline operations.

“We estimate it will be worth £177.9 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy which will generate income for local and regional financial stability and will be a central transport hub by improving communications links across the region as well as competitiveness and efficiency.”

Sir Peter is forming a joint venture company with a major developer and is planning to create a new extension to the south west end of Middlemarch Business Park – and create a new office park to the north of the airport.

“The business park element of the scheme will be on the outer ring of the airport and will be a major boost to industry and the local economy because it will support the growth of business adjacent to excellent transport links and diversify the industry and skills of people.

“We will be consulting with local residents and the business community and hope they are as excited by our proposals as we are to put Coventry firmly on the aviation and business map.

“We have always seen Coventry Airport as an economic catalyst for job creation and income generation in the region. These plans are a major step to turning that very much into a reality.”

Images can be accessed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/revolverpr/sets/72157626420064991/

Notes to editors

Sir Peter Rigby acquired Coventry Airport in April 2010.

The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs and generating income for the region.

Coventry Airport is a gateway for international business and travel and pro-actively engages with the local community and schools re-initiatives.

http://www.coventryairport.co.uk/

For further information
Judy Groves: 07850 622488
Adam Dent: 07785 594415.

Early bird bookers offered free on site parking for Coventry Airport's 'Fly in' event

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:41:11 GMT

With the online box office now open and ticket sales well underway, Coventry Airport is offering free on site parking worth £16 for a family of four to early-bird visitors who pre-book their tickets for the fundraising 'Fly in' event taking place on 26th September 2010.

Set to raise urgently needed funds for Britain's wounded servicemen and women, the event promises to be a fantastic day out for families, aviation fans and children of all ages, the reinvigorated airport is set to see the famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly past. As recently revealed, one of the world’s most recognisable military aircraft, the iconic Vulcan, will be a major highlight of the fundraising event in support of Help for Heroes.

Dedicated to raising funds for personnel injured on active service, the ‘Fly In’ experience will offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with pilots, aircrew and a range of military and civilian aircraft.

"We owe all of our servicemen and women a debt of honour and gratitude. These are people who risk their lives every day on our behalf, and we believe that the least we can do is ensure that they are given the very best available care after being wounded in action," said Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of Patriot Aerospace, owner of Coventry Airport.

"I'm delighted to say that the aviation industry is giving its full support to what looks certain to be a great day out in aid of a fantastic cause. We'll be putting on a range of entertainments and displays that offer something for everybody, so please put the date in your diary and get ready to have some fun."

The funds raised at the event will go to improving the lives of wounded servicemen and women who are all treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The 'Fly in' at Coventry Airport is staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight.

The Fly in takes place on Sunday 26th September 2010 at Coventry Airport. In addition to watching some of our most iconic aircraft - both Military and Civilian flying in, visitors will also be able to experience hangar-based shopping, entertainment and even participate in the whole fly in experience by taking a helicopter flight around the airport.

For further information regarding the free parking offer and to book advance tickets online, please visit: http://www.visitcoventry.co.uk

For more information about the event please visit: http://www.flyincoventryairport.com

For general information about Coventry Airport, please visit: http://www.coventryairport.co.uk/ or the Coventry Airport facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coventry-Airport/103561746367690?v=info&ref=ts

ENDS

For more information/ images contact:

Beatrice Mocci: beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk / Tel 0141 339 4175
Judy Groves: judy.groves@sch-group.com / Tel 0121 766 2594

Louise Acton: louise.acton@btinternet.com / Tel 07595 355 938

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport

Coventry Airport was acquired by Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, in April 2010. The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs. T

Coventry Airport open for business

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:41:37 GMT

Coventry Airport is open for business and operational again following its acquisition by Sir Peter Rigby’s Patriot Aerospace, earlier this year.

The announcement signals a new era for the Airport, which is committed to job creation and income generation in the communities it serves. Championing the vision of a vibrant commercial regional hub for general aviation, Patriot Aerospace will offer a range of aviation services - including leisure, business and freight - with passenger flights cited amongst the possibilities for future developments.

"I'm truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. With the groundwork done, we can now handle business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters, but this is just the beginning of what we would like to achieve," said Patriot Aerospace Chairman Sir Peter Rigby.

"Coventry is an airport with a big future. We intend to make it one of the crown jewels of the local area, providing economic growth and jobs in the community, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to develop the business."

Under the new management team, Coventry Airport is now proactively investigating areas for expansion. With the return of scheduled flights to the site identified as a key potential source of growth, Patriot Aerospace is currently searching for viable airlines capable of offering passengers the right routes at the right prices, and also has plans to develop existing customers, suppliers and tenants.

“The owners have immense commercial experience and an excellent track record and we look forward to working closely with them.”Cllr Linda Bigham, Coventry City Council Cabinet member for City Development, said: "This is excellent news and is evidence of Patriot Aerospace’s commitment to the future of Coventry Airport.

"It supports hundreds of jobs and its long-term development and viability is essential for the local economy."I believe that a city like ours should have its own airport and a successful Coventry Airport provides an enormous opportunity to raise the profile of our city and sub-region."

Louise Bennett, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber has been a long advocate of a vibrant airport in the city and this is extremely good news. The airport generates and supports hundreds of jobs and has far greater potential than has been realised in recent years.”

Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the Midlands where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham, while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and the newly re-opened Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is a joint venture with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Ends

For more information/ images contact

Beatrice Mocci Revolver PR beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk
Tel 0141 339 4174
Louise Acton / Judy Groves judy.groves@sch-group.com
Tel 0121 766 2594

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport and Patriot Aerospace
Coventry Airport was acquired by Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, in April 2010.

The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The acquisition of Coventry Airport dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations.

Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres. Through

Iconic RAF bomber 'The Vulcan' to land at Coventry Airport Fly-in

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:25:23 GMT

The iconic Vulcan, part of the RAF’s original V-bomber force, will land at 11am at Coventry Airport’s Fly-in on 26 September 2010.

One of the world’s most recognisable military aircraft will be a major highlight of the fundraising event in support of Help for Heroes.

Its Pilot and crew will also be available to meet interested visitors attending the one-day event.

"I am thrilled that the Vulcan, one of a legendary group of aircraft including the Spitfire and Concorde, is joining the Fly-in, because there are very few aircraft that can match its presence and power. It will be a major attraction at our fundraising event and is a reflection of the fantastic level of support we are getting from all quarters," said Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of Patriot Aerospace, owner of Coventry Airport.

The Fly-in will include the famous Battle of Britain Commemorative Flight and feature many legendary aircraft from the Spitfire, Hurricane, Tornado and Hercules to the modern day jet, helicopters and classic flights.

Visitors will not only have the opportunity to get close up and personal with pilots, crew and aircraft, experience hangar-based shopping and entertainment, but be part of the Fly-in experience by taking a helicopter flight around the airfield. The Fly-in will be a fantastic day out for families and aviation fans alike, with entrance by a donation of £20 per car or £5 per pedestrian.

Funds raised will go towards improving the lives of wounded servicemen and women who are being treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The Fly-in at Coventry Airport is staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight.

Advance tickets are now available to book online http://www.visitcoventry.co.uk

Pilots can pre-book their landing slots by calling the Fly-in hotline on 02476 516 464. Landing fees of £20.00 per aircraft will be donated to Help for Heroes.

For more information about the Fly-in please visit: http://www.flyincoventryairport.com

ENDS

For more information/ images contact

Beatrice Mocci: beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk / Tel 0141 339 4175
Judy Groves / Louise Acton: judy.groves@sch-group.com / louise.acton@btinternet.com / Tel 0121 766 2594

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport

Coventry Airport was acquired by Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, in April 2010.

The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The acquisition of Coventry Airport dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations.

Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres. Through these brands, customers have access to a nationwide and end to end general aviation service, including learning to fly, buying or chartering; refurbishment, avionics, engineering and maintenance; and affordable access to VIP business and leisure helicopter charter. It operates from six air bases: Cranfield, Coventry, Enniskillen, Gloucester, Redhill and

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