New £250m site at Coventry Airport to create 10,000 jobs

Sir Peter Rigby, who bought Coventry Airport last April, hopes to ensure the growth and sustainability of the airport with a 65-acre technology office park.

The plans also include a new junction designed to cure traffic problems at Tollbar island, as well as manufacturing and distribution areas - and plans to bring passenger flights back to Baginton.

Previous passenger operations under former owners Tui ended in defeat at a public inquiry after protests about noise, but Warwick district councillor Bertie Mackay (Ind, Stoneleigh) was optimistic about the new proposals.

He said the plans as he understood them included up to 30 flights a day, including scheduled holiday flights as well as chartered and business flights, making the airport a ‘gateway’ to the region.

Cllr Mackay said commercial flights are needed if the airport is to be profitable, but added the new operator would need to build a relationship with the community. He said he understood future flights would use more modern aircraft, which would not create the same noise problems as previously.

As well as developing the passenger terminal and cargo facilities, investment in the airport would include a hotel, restaurant, hangars and parking.

Sir Peter said up to 10,000 jobs could be created directly and indirectly, while passenger flights serving up to one million passengers a year, starting “as soon as practicable”, would be a major boost to the local economy.

He added: “Since we bought Coventry Airport, our management has been very much community focused and, as always, we are looking to work with the community we serve and bring jobs to the area.

“Our plans to improve the airport’s infrastructure and facilities will benefit the entire West Midlands because we want Coventry Airport to act as an economic catalyst for job creation and income generation.

“We will be consulting with local residents and the business community and hope they are as excited by our proposals as we are to put Coventry firmly on the aviation and business map.”