Press Release

Issued by Pembrey West Wales Airport Ltd..

August 21, 2009

Pembrey, a privately-owned commercial airport in west Wales, looks set to score significant business wins with contracts serving prestigious sporting events and professionals. 

Techniques d'Avant Garde, who own and operate both Farnborough Airport and Air Charter Co. Ltd, have selected Pembrey to provide landing, refuelling, hard standing and other facilities to 14+ executive jets carrying golf's elite to the world-famous Ryder Cup 2010. 

And it's likely that international racing professionals and fans will be making a beeline to Pembrey in 2009. That's when nearby FfosLas, the U.K's first new National Hunt racecourse in 80 years, opens its doors for the first time. 

This multi-million dollar complex will soon offer a cluster of residential, hospitality and commercial developments, plus an equestrian centre, racing school and equine training establishments. Pembrey Airport is practically on the doorstep, and poised to offer whatever equestrian air facilities racing professionals may need.

Pembrey Airport has all the infrastructure and operational licenses to accept commercial traffic. It offers the only 24-hour, all-weather services in this part of the country, and its logistics experience will stand it in good stead for the co-ordination and personal attention to special requirements expected by world-class sports organisations – including out-of-hours refuelling. And the big bonus: Pembrey is uniquely favoured in having access to over 5000 acres/2000 hectares of level development land.

To date, more than £3.5 million has been invested at Pembrey, and M.D. Captain Winston Thomas is currently seeking investors for Phase 2 of its development. In spite of the recession, he remains quietly confident. "As London-area airport expansions get increasingly bogged down, the smart money is going to move to regional facilities like Pembrey, that have the support of both local and national authorities, can handle traffic from both the UK and Europe, and plenty of room for future growth."

Lure of the Low-Cost Airport

Switch on the TV or radio at any time of day, and you're bound to hear predictions of recession, doom and gloom. But consider the flip side: one organisation's financial headache is another's opportunity. So, in 2009, as airports in large urban centres like London become too expensive for some owners of private aircraft, a great, low-cost star is rising in the west. Its name? Pembrey Airport, on the scenic west coast of Wales.

Pembrey is the only privately-owned commercial airport in this part of the country offering 24-hour, all-weather services including out-of-hours refuelling.  Captain Winston Thomas, M.D. of this up-and-coming facility, is very bullish about the future. "We've got so much going for us: good local infrastructure, experienced personnel, a newly-extended, bigger and better runway, plus a low cost base that means we can pass significant savings on to our customers."

Space to Grow and Develop

At a time when some U.K. airports are struggling to cram more runways into already overcrowded and highly-restricted areas, Pembrey is uniquely favoured in having access to over 5000 acres/2000 hectares of level development land available immediately, plus the enthusiastic support of local, regional and national authorities for further development.

Developments already completed include:

Passenger terminal with check-in area and restaurant offering full catering facilities

Air Traffic Control Tower with certified controllers

Navigation equipment for aircraft to land during marginal weather conditions

Customs and immigration 

Airport Fire engines with qualified fire officers

But location, location, location isn't quite enough. As captain Winston Thomas MD. Of Pembrey Airport, says "Having the right infrastructure and the right funding are the key to the success of every major project. Given the right support here in Wales, Pembrey Airport and FfosLas and the neighbouring facilities could be the catalysts for a renaissance of this entire region.

The next phase will bring further lengthening of the runway, together with lighting arrays for major commercial craft, and the construction of further support facilities and bonded warehouses. 

We are also negotiating with Sky Bus, a company that is located in Newquay Cornwall which operates an eighteen seater jet aircraft for charter work, and therefore be able take advantage of the services of other airlines that are providing services out of Newquay direct to Spain, Germany and destinations in the UK and Ireland. This will certainly be advantageous for the residence in Carmarthenshire and neighbouring Counties.

Pembrey Airport plays a vital role in military exercise's, working with  Royal Air Force Pembrey Sands to host important training events. The French Air Force and United States Air Force personnel who took part in the exercise were very pleased with the training facility and are looking forward to working together on regular assignments.

The C160, more commonly known as the Hercules types, took part in the operation. It is one of the largest aircraft to land at Pembrey, weighing 48 tons and able to carry 80 military personnel and equipment, with a range of 1200 miles. This activity will support the training for the British troops who serve in various parts of the World including the troubles Afghanistan.

This type of aircraft can also used in a civil capacity to carry freight and livestock, it is an ideal mode of transport for haulage companies who require large capacity goods (volume) and tonnage transported into Europe from Pembrey Airport. the aircraft is fully pressurised and suitable for all types of freight, these capabilities of  Pembrey Airport certainly opens up new opportunities for Carmarthenshire.

The aircraft also has  refrigeration bay's which enables perishable goods, i.e fish, fruit, vegetables, frozen meats, to be carried. Its applications are endless. The payload (contents including crew and fuel) is 16 tons, a consideration for all transport companies wishing to transport frieght. 

The USAF United States Air Force has made a commitment to use Pembrey Airport at lease twice a week for their training, the MOD has expressed a requirement to extend the runway to be able to fly a fully laden aircraft which can carry 80 personnel with full infantry equipment. The civil work on the runway has been completed and we are perusing funding from various sources including the Welsh Assembly Government and Carmarthenshire County Council to complete the work.