City airport’s future – crisis talks today

By Matthew Legg Business editor

Last updated 12:22, Monday, 14 July 2008

CRISIS talks aimed at salvaging a plan to upgrade Carlisle Airport and move the Eddie Stobart haulage business there were due to take place today.

Talks: Andrew Tinkler

Stobart chief executive Andrew Tinkler withdrew his £35 million proposal last week after it was blocked by the Government.

Mr Tinkler will meet representatives from Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Vision, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Cumbria County Council and others at his Kingstown headquarters to try to find a way forward.

It is feared the Stobart empire could leave the county for Cheshire if a way round the impasse is not found.

The Government ruled the plans, to create a passenger and freight hub at the airfield, must go to a public inquiry – a move Mr Tinkler believes will result in a delay of at least a year.

Mr Tinkler said he will be asking the Government to tell why an inquiry was necessary and how he can revise the plans so one isn’t needed.

He said there was a six- month “window of opportunity” for the plan before the plug is pulled permanently.

The plan includes a new runway, terminal, hangars, warehouses and offices.

If the development goes ahead, Mr Tinkler would move his haulage business base onto the Irthington airfield near Brampton – the only way he says he can get the airfield to be commercially successful.

It has emerged that Mr Tinkler is still in talks to run daily flights out of Carlisle to an airport near London.

MLegg@cngroup.co.uk