Stobart Group’s Carlisle Lake District Airport won the Best General Aviation Airport Award at last night’s AOA Annual Conference Dinner, hosted at The County Hall in Westminster, London.
The award recognises GA airports that demonstrate passion and show their dedication to providing an accessible and favourite general aviation airfield over the past 12 months.
Carlisle Lake District Airport has had a busy year, with the construction of a new terminal, the opening of a new runway and the preparations for commencing commercial flights from Spring 2019.
With so much activity on site, Carlisle Lake District Airport made a concerted effort to meet with and listen to the GA community. Following those conversations, the airport reduced its fuel pricing, introduced out-of-hours flying and offered discounted landing fees for GA planes.
Commenting on the award, Paul Martland, General Manager of Carlisle Lake District Airport, added: “The GA community is an essential part of this airport. We know there is more to do to improve this airport for GA flyers, but I am delighted with the progress we have made so far, and I’m extremely proud of our team’s hard work, which this award recognises.”
Kate Willard, Head of Corporate Projects for Stobart Group, said: “This is an incredible achievement for the airport. It has not been an easy year but the teams at Stobart Rail & Civils and the airport have worked together to make brilliant progress in getting us up and running.
“We look forward to the commencement of commercial services next spring but will always remember the really key role that the GA community play in our day to day activities and the commitment we have to them.”
Martin Robinson CEO at AOPA said: “We were pleased to make the award to Carlisle Lake District Airport because of its strategic importance for GA by location. Also, the investment that’s been put in place and the development of the airport. Without airports, we cannot fly. Carlisle has also shown its interested in attracting GA – we also know that times have been tough, so the award is well deserved. Always be GA friendly and you will attract business. Congratulations again.”
