Sheffield City Airport is to focus its efforts on business and general aviation activities after losing its last scheduled service. The airport, which opened in June 1997, has seen a number of airlines drop out over the last five years and is now hoping to survive as a business aviation centre. “Other airports such as Gloucester and Biggin Hill do this and with four million people within a forty minute drive of Sheffield, I think we can diversify into this area,” said business manager Isla Clynch.

“Sheffield Airport has been left in a difficult situation, but we don’t want to close. We have been involved in business aviation but it wasn’t something which was actively encouraged up until this point,” she added. A planning application to build hangarage has already been submitted, which the airport hopes will encourage private owners to base their aircraft at Sheffield.

Refurbishment will not be necessary according to Clynch: “The airport is new so it is already suitable for business aviation and vips – the terminal itself is used for a lot of corporate events. Inside it’s small, open plan and attractive, with a car park running adjacent. You can now see the runway from land-side and there are already meeting rooms and secretarial services.” Sheffield Airport is also hoping to encourage helicopters to set up base, because it currently has a single-engine ban on fixed wing aircraft. “We are working on getting this restriction lifted but it is another reason why we haven’t been able to attract the private owners,” she said.

Clynch was keen to promote Sheffield as a growing city: “There are a number of large companies locating here and with two excellent universities, I think the airport can only benefit. The road links are in place, as we’re just off the door step of the M1.” And it’s not only business people who will be flying in: “We’re also very close to the Sheffield Arena and we’ve had Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams and the Rolling Stones come through the airport,” she added.