Vertical takeoff is key to airport

NEW GENERATION OF AIRCRAFT 'WOULD BE PERFECT FOR CITY'

- WILLIAM TELFORD

PLYMOUTH’S disused airport has potential to serve thousands of passengers and provide a huge economic boost to the city if reopened for flights by a new generation of electric and vertical takeoff aircraft.

Aviation consultants at Berkshire-based EA Maven say Plymouth’s airport has “real opportunities to explore” and said: “It would be a shame to lose the site.”

The consultants, who have been studying the potential of the UK’s small regional airports, said Plymouth’s could be used by small fixedwing electric and vertical take-off aircraft, transporting up to 18 passengers per aeroplane, which would not be hampered by its short runways. They said Plymouth could become connected to dozens of other UK airports, saving travellers time and money and giving them access to flights on to international destinations.

Darrell Swanson, partner at EA Maven, said the research shows Plymouth could benefit from “considerable economic gains”. He said: “It is perfectly feasible. Plymouth has a great opportunity to develop regional routes within the UK that would give opportunities for international flights.”