Following the revelations about Flybe’s troubles, the UK government launched its Regional Air Connectivity Review – “a series of measures to support regional connectivity across the UK”.
As part of the review the Department for Transport wants to learn about local airports’ views on regional connectivity. The aviation minister Paul Maynard kicked off his UK tour of regional airports by visiting Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
On 20 January 2020 Paul Maynard visited Liverpool John Lennon Airport, where he met with its CEO John Irving. This visit is the first in a series of visits to local UK airports, as part of the DfT’s Regional Air Connectivity Review. The review is part of a number of measures the government says will support regional connectivity across the country. The DfT will work with the aviation industry, local regions and the devolved nations to learn how it can further connectivity.
Paul Maynard, Aviation Minister, said:Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a thriving hub for regional connectivity. With 69 domestic flights in and out of the airport every week, connectivity is vital to the success of the region.
The Regional Air Connectivity Review will work to understand how we can level up the country and strengthen local airports to drive economic growth.
The Regional Air Connectivity Review will look at domestic transport connections that include regional services from local airports. In 2018 regional airports in the UK handled roughly 39 percent of all passengers.
John Irving, CEO, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said:Liverpool John Lennon Airport is an important regional gateway serving the North West and North Wales, benefiting the economies of the areas it serves. However it can only realise its true potential with improved connectivity that will help to boost the region's economy and we therefore welcome the opportunity to participate in the government's review of regional connectivity.
