Press Release
Issued by Lydd Airport Ltd.
February 5, 2007
London Ashford Airport (LAA) has succeeded in chartering a Boeing 737-300 series passenger jet to undertake take-off and landing trials at Lydd in Kent on Saturday 24 February.
The aircraft will spend around three hours at Lydd during which time it will perform a number of take-offs and landings using the airfield's new instrument landing system. When arriving and departing, the jet will complete full circuits of the area following flight paths designated by the Civil Aviation Authority.
In hiring the 130-seater twin engined jet, airport managers are honouring a pledge made last year to local residents and MP Michael Howard. In meetings held to explain their plans to modernise and upgrade the airport, managers were faced with questions about flight paths and aircraft noise.
As a practical demonstration, LAA offered to bring in a passenger jet typical of the type that would be used if the airport succeeds in attracting more airline operators.
Managing director Zaher Deir said the substantial cost of hiring the B737 – Lydd is paying out a five figure sum – will be money well spent if it helps to demonstrate how well the airport can cope with modern passenger jets.
"Groups objecting to the development of Lydd are making wild claims about flight paths and jets screaming over rooftops. By arranging this visit everybody who lives on Romney Marsh and throughout the rest of Shepway can see the truth for themselves," he added.
The airport intends to advertise the visit of the B737 in local press to ensure that Shepway residents are fully informed of the flight arrangements for the day.
Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard said: "I am pleased that these flights will take place. I hope they give local people a real idea of what to expect if the airport succeeds in getting planning permission for its proposals."
LAA has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with an additional 150-metre starter extension. The council is currently undertaking a thorough public consultation programme before making a decision on the applications.
