Reacting to the call from an aviation entrepreneur that Cardiff Airport needs the volume of passengers that a low-cost airline can bring, Russell George MS – the Shadow Minister for Business, and the Welsh Conservative spokesperson on transport, said:
“No-one could fail to recognise the economic and social importance of Cardiff Airport to Wales, and that a successful international airport will contribute to Wales being globally and regionally competitive, while boosting the economy through greater opportunities for tourism, business, and inward investment.
“It requires, however, vision and entrepreneurial savvy that this Welsh Labour-led Government doesn’t have.
“Earlier this year, I outlined a Welsh Conservative plan for Cardiff Airport, which, after the turmoil wrought by the pandemic and lockdown, is more relevant than ever.”
The plan comprises:
- Supporting route development, prioritising a direct flight link to the USA and to Manchester
- Developing a new marketing strategy for the airport
- Improving transport links to the airport to make the airport more accessible by investing in better road, rail and public transport links
- Investing in the airport's capital infrastructure to enable the airport to diversify and generate new sources of revenue
Mr George continued:
“All options must be on the table, and the suggestion from Mike Powell – who has involvement with a number of budget airlines – that Cardiff Airport should focus on the volume end of the market fits in well with our vision for Wales’ premier airport.”