Post by Humberside on May 5, 2012 21:24:08 GMT
It's got some good PR value out of it if nothing else - and a very firm commitment from KLM to MME
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/9690470.KLM_backing_brings_hope_for_airport_s_future/
AIRLINE giant KLM yesterday pledged its unwavering support for Durham Tees Valley airport (DTV) at the launch of a major push to increase passenger numbers.
Securing backing from the world's eighth biggest carrier has given airport bosses the confidence to unveil an £85,000 joint marketing campaign to showcase the global destinations that can be reached from the region.
KLM's three-times-a-day service from DTV to Amsterdam Schiphol, which has shown a modest increase in passenger numbers this year, offers a gateway to business hot spots in South America, Africa and the Far East.
Vincent Klas, commercial director for Air France-KLM was in the region to confirm that the carrier "never for one moment" considered turning its back on DTV, which has suffered an alarming drop in passenger numbers in recent years as airlines pulled their services.
"That wasn't an option for us," said Mr Klas. "This route makes money for KLM. We are not a charity and it made sense for us to continue our long-term relationship with this airport."
Passenger traffic has dropped from a peak of 917,963 in 2006 to about 200,000 last year when the airport showed a £1.6m loss.
Earlier in the year DTV faced an uncertain future after it was put up for sale by its previous owners, Peel Airports, which said the business was no longer part of its plans. It was safeguarded after Peel Investments (DTVA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Peel Group bought a majority share. The remaining shareholding is owned by six local authorities - Darlington, County Durham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland.
Robert Hough, recently appointed airport chairman, said that losing the facility would have "detracted hugely from the region positioning itself as a centre for business."
He added: "We always knew there was tremendous local pride in the airport and since February we have built on that, establishing close
links with many different partners and interests, including our local authorities and (local enterprise partnership) Tees Valley Unlimited.
"We all recognise that one of our most important assets is the long-standing commitment of KLM to Durham Tees Valley and the importance of their service to the area's economy.
"We have worked with the airline to develop a joint marketing campaign aimed at highlighting that, wherever you want to be in the world, you can get there with KLM from Durham Tees Valley."
Following yesterday's announcement local politicians and business leaders met in the departure area, which had been converted into a state-of-the-art conference venue, to hear about the "World on Your Doorstep" campaign.
KLM group is expanding its worldwide network, with a particular focus on emerging economies. Its latest destination is Lusaka, the Zambian capital, which is one of Africa's fastest growing commercial centres. It follows the introduction of flights from Amsterdam to the industrial city Chengdu in South-West China.
Securing backing from the world's eighth biggest carrier has given airport bosses the confidence to unveil an £85,000 joint marketing campaign to showcase the global destinations that can be reached from the region.
KLM's three-times-a-day service from DTV to Amsterdam Schiphol, which has shown a modest increase in passenger numbers this year, offers a gateway to business hot spots in South America, Africa and the Far East.
Vincent Klas, commercial director for Air France-KLM was in the region to confirm that the carrier "never for one moment" considered turning its back on DTV, which has suffered an alarming drop in passenger numbers in recent years as airlines pulled their services.
"That wasn't an option for us," said Mr Klas. "This route makes money for KLM. We are not a charity and it made sense for us to continue our long-term relationship with this airport."
Passenger traffic has dropped from a peak of 917,963 in 2006 to about 200,000 last year when the airport showed a £1.6m loss.
Earlier in the year DTV faced an uncertain future after it was put up for sale by its previous owners, Peel Airports, which said the business was no longer part of its plans. It was safeguarded after Peel Investments (DTVA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Peel Group bought a majority share. The remaining shareholding is owned by six local authorities - Darlington, County Durham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland.
Robert Hough, recently appointed airport chairman, said that losing the facility would have "detracted hugely from the region positioning itself as a centre for business."
He added: "We always knew there was tremendous local pride in the airport and since February we have built on that, establishing close
links with many different partners and interests, including our local authorities and (local enterprise partnership) Tees Valley Unlimited.
"We all recognise that one of our most important assets is the long-standing commitment of KLM to Durham Tees Valley and the importance of their service to the area's economy.
"We have worked with the airline to develop a joint marketing campaign aimed at highlighting that, wherever you want to be in the world, you can get there with KLM from Durham Tees Valley."
Following yesterday's announcement local politicians and business leaders met in the departure area, which had been converted into a state-of-the-art conference venue, to hear about the "World on Your Doorstep" campaign.
KLM group is expanding its worldwide network, with a particular focus on emerging economies. Its latest destination is Lusaka, the Zambian capital, which is one of Africa's fastest growing commercial centres. It follows the introduction of flights from Amsterdam to the industrial city Chengdu in South-West China.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/9690470.KLM_backing_brings_hope_for_airport_s_future/