When will it be ready?
The new gateway to Cumbria and the Lake District is back on track and very nearly ready for take off, with a revised opening time of “late Spring.” The flexible date range didn’t go unnoticed by the canny LA23NET audience but given the disappointment following previous failed openings, the flexible range is hardly surprising. Let’s face it though, we’ve all seen Grand Designs whose dates have shifted much further, so on a project of this size and scale the margin really isn’t that bad.
Paul Martland General Manager gave his honest appraisal of the difficulties the airport had faced and seemed confident that the issues were now not only ironed-out, but will be ‘belt and braces’ ready.
What will it be like?
Paul appears determined to get it right, and certainly the structure and team are ready and raring to deliver a quality experience to travelers. Sparkling walls, plush carpets, velvet sofas, topped off with extremely warm, knowledgeable and friendly staff; all are poised to welcome those who pass through the gleaming glass doors. With a potential mere 76 paces from car to plane, the airport experience is set to be a relaxed and enjoyable one.
All this is great news but the message to Cumbria and the surrounding areas was clear; this airport will need our support if it is really going to get off the ground. The backlash needs to move to a message of encouragement and positivity. The economic impact could be unrivaled, opening the whole county to a new wave of tourism and opportunity. Des Moore, CEO of Cumberland Building Society spoke candidly about his disappointment at the continued negative social media that the airport receives and urged Cumbrian businesses to get behind what could become one of its biggest assets.
Where can I fly to?
Well, flying directly to Dublin is a savvy move on Stobart’s part, effectively by-passing the need for travellers to go through Check-In and Security again if moving to onwards destinations. Put simply, if you’re going to New York for example – flying from Carlisle via Dublin would be a smooth transition, with only check-in at Carlisle. An extremely appealing prospect as the airport will essentially become an international gateway. Impressive. Not to mention that the world-class cities of Dublin, London and Belfast will become <1hr destinations. Cumbria is about to feel a lot less ‘remote’. Long weekend break with your mates anyone?
Why does it need me?
As a region we are used to getting on with stuff ourselves, Carlisle Lake District Aiport is a prime example of this. Long have we lobbied for better infrastructure for the county, long have we asked that ‘the South’ take more notice of us and better recognise our contribution to the UK’s visitor economy, our manufacturing prowess and of course the fact that we are quite literally a ‘powerhouse’ in the purest sense of the term. Has much happened? Not yet. The airport however is happening. Not thanks to anyone or anywhere else – it’s been down to here. Soon it will be down to us to use our newest asset. So let’s give it some tailwind eh?
The LA23NET LOWDOWN
Who came?
115 ace people from all over Cumbria, Lancashire and the Borders
Who spoke?
Chair – Grant Seaton of Cumberland Building Society
Paul Martland – General Manager Carlisle Lake District Airport
Des Moore – CEO Cumberland Building Society
Janett Walker and Sophia Newton – LA23NET Guardians and co-founders of FLOCK Events & PR
What did they talk about?
This time, the airport. Obv. Except for Janett and Soph, they talked about Fanny.
What did everyone do?
Laugh at the costumes, enjoy Pennington’s Gin and Bruce & Luke’s Donuts, chat with each other and have fun, ate bangers and mash, listened (or at least they looked like they were) to all the talks, went on a behind the scenes tour of the airport, did their best to finish the complimentary bar. It was all caught on camera by Victoria Sedgwick and film by Sheenah Alcock.
What’s next?
The infamous Christmas Quiz with Quizmasters Tim Farron MP and Maria Whitehead MBE of Hawkshead Relish on Wednesday 12th December.
Can I come?
Aye! The more the merrier. Just sign up to our mailing list to get your invite or book straight on here.
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