Partner Article

Accolade for Newcastle airport

The region’s biggest airport has been crowned the best in the UK.

The British Air Transport Association (BATA) awarded the accolade to Newcastle International at a London ceremony.

It comes as the region has been boosted by the announcement of extra services.

Brussels Airlines has confirmed it is increasing the number of daily flights it runs from Newcastle to the Belgian capital to three from January.

The move is in response to feedback from some of the region’s major employers, including Procter and Gamble and Komatsu.

And low-cost carrier Flybe has revealed it is launching a route to Hannover, Germany, in March.

Airport chief executive Dave Laws was delighted with the airport’s award, beating off competition from fellow finalists Cardiff and East Midlands.

He said: “This award recognises what has been done here over the last few years.

“All our staff have recognised things have been tough and the dedication and co-operation we have had from all our workers has been immense.”

He added: “These awards are decided by the travel industry and to be recognized by your business partners says a lot.”

Roger Wiltshire, secretary general of the BATA, said: “Newcastle took the prize for being, in the words on one airline, ‘a really good partnership airport’.”

Alan Clarke, chief executive of business development agency One North East, said: “This is great news for Newcastle International Airport and is an important accolade in terms of its potential to support future new investment from airlines and operators.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .