AVIATION
We ’ re ready for take-off !
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen on why the latest exciting developments at Teesside Airport are good for business …
W hile the global impact of coronavirus has been massive , Teesside International Airport has not slowed down in making sure our businesses are better placed than ever to recover after the pandemic .
Despite a temporary , three-month suspension of passenger flights during the outbreak , behind the scenes the work never stopped to secure more and expanded flights for the good of our companies and local people , while making the airport easier than ever to use .
A flourishing airport is key as our economy begins to recover and it is supporting businesses by connecting Teesside to the world once again , with new routes and extra services central to driving local growth as well as national and international investment here .
Just days ago , the first flight in a decade departed Teesside bound for Heathrow – a connection which has by far been one of the most frequently requested services , not least by Tees Business readers .
Operated by Eastern Airways , it provides access to more than 180 locations in 84 countries across the world as well as a valuable link to London . This is perfect for those doing business in the capital or abroad as companies begin to seek new opportunities and chances for growth after the pandemic .
A new deal has also been struck to ensure another popular worldwide connection continues , with longstanding airline partner KLM Royal Dutch Airlines committing to its Amsterdam Schiphol route for another five years . The airline celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and last September marked its best month in 14 years for the route , which connects travellers to more than 100 destinations across the globe .
For outgoing business travellers , a £ 1m renovation of the airport ’ s security area , set to be complete by next April , will also make it quicker and better than ever for them to get on their flight . New body and baggage scanners will mean passengers will no longer need to remove liquids and electrical items such as laptops from their bags and pass them through security separately . Onward connectivity via Amsterdam Schiphol and Heathrow will also be even smoother by removing the requirement to go through their security processes .
The airport has also worked with Eastern Airways to expand its domestic offerings . Flights to Aberdeen , an important location for the oil , gas and other offshore industries , and Belfast City are now running twice daily , with additional weekend departures . Flights to the popular staycation destination of Cornwall Airport Newquay have also been extended to all year round . Southampton services have resumed
while we continue discussions with all our airline partners for further opportunities for business and leisure links .
As the airport continues this plan to secure even more routes and passenger numbers grow , major renovation works are now taking place to give passengers the best experience possible .
Ongoing work to revamp the arrivals hall is now taking place , with new walls , signage , fresh flooring and painting work making travel through arrivals as smooth as possible . When complete , this work will give your business contacts or clients , plus potential investors and visitors , the best welcome possible to the airport and the region .
Of course , the health and wellbeing of staff and passengers remains paramount , which is why six steps to staying safe at Teesside International have been put in place . Clear signage points to easy-to-follow guidelines on hand sanitisers , social distancing and mask wearing while in the terminal building , helping travellers travel in confidence .
Teesside International Airport is now in a fantastic position to take off once again – for businesses , for passengers and for our whole region .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 85