South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) and Doncaster Council have found a credible consortium interested in operating Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).
The consortium, which is said to include parties with extensive aviation experience, is part of a new offer to airport owners Peel Group.
Crucially Mayor Coppard and the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones have written to Peel Group, asking to commence a new process of several months which enables the parties to meaningfully undertake due diligence and continue negotiations. The authorities are also offering to provide financial assistance to maintain jobs and support operations during the due diligence period.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Since Peel announced the review into DSA our biggest fear was that they were running down the clock while undermining confidence in the airport.
“So we launched our own search for potential operators and investors in the site, and we’ve found a strong and credible proposition which requires serious consideration. This is no guarantee but it is a significant step forward.
“We promised to explore all options; we’ve worked tirelessly to find a group which meets the criteria set out by Peel Group. It now falls to Peel to step up, and work with Doncaster Council and the consortium to find a solution that protects our region.”
Peel Group announced they were carrying out a 6-week review into the viability of the airport in July. The review period was extended until 16th September.
Since then, the MCA and Doncaster Council have engaged in active negotiations with Peel Group and have drawn together task groups consisting of MPs, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and officials from the Department for Transport.
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