Newcastle Airport boss stresses regional responsibility

The head of Newcastle Airport has said that expanding air hubs must have wider concerns than their own growth and success, as they have a responsibility to their region.

Speaking to the Northern Echo, Newcastle Airport chief executive Dave Laws said it was important that new services were only accepted from carriers that are able to deliver a strong service to the area.

"Our targets have to be sustainable. Decisions will be taken, based on what we feel is right for the region. If we start a new route and, 12 months later, it closes then we are letting people down," he said.

"This airport contributes £400 million a year to the regional economy and we have to have the right services that will benefit not just us but the region as a whole."

One new carrier that is expected to benefit Newcastle is Flybe, which claims that it will create 120 jobs in the region in the next two years and operate routes to locations in Germany, France and Scandinavia.

The Northern Echo also spoke to Hugh Lang, the chief executive of Durham Tees Valley Airport, who said that the main challenge facing the base is the development of its infrastructure to turn it into a modern hub capable of expansion.