Jobs created as airline moves to Doncaster

A major airline has announced that it will move its permanent base to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, generating hundreds of new jobs.

Wizz Air say that the Finningley site will become the firm’s second UK base, and has also announced seven more destinations.

The move is being viewed as a major boost to the airport, airline, and the air travel industry as a whole as it begins to bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.

We are extremely excited to announce that Europe’s greenest airline @wizzair will be opening their second UK base here at Doncaster Sheffield Airport later this year! This new base will add 7 new routes to their existing offering from DSA.
Read more here: https://t.co/KzlalHKrSt pic.twitter.com/cmjcJJxGJJ
— Doncaster Sheffield Airport (@DSA_Airport) August 13, 2020

The operator’s UK-registered and licensed airline Wizz Air UK was formed two years ago.

The move will increase the annual capacity of the airport by 300,000 seats.

If the new partnership is successful, the airline will serve the routes including Alicante, Malaga, Larnaca, and Faro.

Owain Jones, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said:

“We have been flying from Doncaster since 2006, around the time it changed from RAF Finningley to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Wizz Air were among the first flying from here.

“We have had a long relationship with the airport. We have now set up a UK registered airline, with Luton as the main base with 12 aircraft.

“We have been looking to expand in the UK given the success we have seen, and we think Doncaster is an airport with a big catchment in North Lincolnshire, North Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire as well as South Yorkshire, and maybe even further north. We think there’s a market for good quality low cost airlines based here.

“This is a commitment to growth, and we hope to expand further.

“In terms of jobs in Doncaster, basing one aircraft here brings 36 jobs directly at the airport, along with 300,000 more passengers, and we estimate that will support about 200 local jobs. There is the supply chain, with things like onboard catering.”

Chris Harcombe, director of aviation development at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, added:

“We are delighted to bring more ultra-low fares to DSA, to these popular destinations loved by our customers and served by an airline who pride themselves on providing affordable travel, with an excellent reputation. It is a shared intention to bring further aircraft as part of this agreement within a matter of months.

“There is no doubt that the aviation sector faces its greatest challenge in modern day history at this time. It is essential that the UK Government acknowledges and supports airlines and airports that bring much needed investment into the UK economy.

“Doncaster Sheffield Airport contributes over £60 million to the Sheffield City Region and offers job security for thousands of people.

“The airport remained open throughout lockdown, with the lifeline services that operate from here, such as the police air service, the air ambulance, and the freight flights that come here.

“We have been flexible and creative, and proactive, to make sure the impact of lockdown on us has been as minimal as possible, and we could come out on the other side stronger and better placed for the future.

“What we are now seeing are the green shoots of recovery.”

The airport has seen its passenger numbers double in the last five or six years.

The transition is set to begin in November.

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