30 October 2018
Carlisle Lake District Airport has won the Best General Aviation Airport Award at the annual Airport Operators Association (AOA) annual conference.
The award recognises GA airports that demonstrate passion and show their dedication to providing an accessible and favourite general aviation airfield over the past 12 months.
Carlisle Lake District Airport has had a busy year, with the construction of a new terminal, the opening of a new runway and the preparations for commencing commercial flights from Spring 2019.
With so much activity on site, Carlisle Lake District Airport made a concerted effort to meet with and listen to the GA community. Following those conversations, the airport reduced its fuel pricing, introduced out-of-hours flying and offered discounted landing fees for GA planes.
Paul Martland, general manager of Carlisle Lake District Airport, said, “The GA community is an essential part of this airport. We know there is more to do to improve this airport for GA flyers, but I am delighted with the progress we have made so far, and I’m extremely proud of our team’s hard work, which this award recognises.”
Kate Willard of Stobart Group, which owns the airport, said, “This is an incredible achievement for the airport. It has not been an easy year but the teams at Stobart Rail & Civils and the airport have worked together to make brilliant progress in getting us up and running.
“We look forward to the commencement of commercial services next spring but will always remember the really key role that the GA community play in our day to day activities and the commitment we have to them.”
Martin Robinson CEO of AOPA said, “We were pleased to make the award to Carlisle Lake District Airport because of its strategic importance for GA by location.
“Also, the investment that’s been put in place and the development of the airport. Without airports, we cannot fly. Carlisle has also shown its interested in attracting GA – we also know that times have been tough, so the award is well deserved. Always be GA friendly and you will attract business.”
1 comment
So pleased to see the airport up and running again after a period in the doldrums. I was born in Carlisle and worked at the airport for Casair until I moved south and joined BAC at Weybridge / Wisley. Also earned my PPL there in 1966. Spent almost all my time in Flight Test (BAC 1-11, VC10, Super VC10) and then on to Fairford for Concorde. Spent two years in Toulouse with Airbus (A310) then Flight Test Observer on RAF VC10 K Mk 4 and C.Mk1K . Ended up on Concorde again after the Gonesse accident. Now well retired, but thank you Carlisle for starting me on the journey of a lifetime!