The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has accompanied the new Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg to Southampton Airport, in recognition of the importance of regional airports to the economy.
Commenting Mims said:
“I was delighted to accompany the new Aviation Minister, Baroness Sugg, to Southampton Airport. The visit looked to highlight the important role that regional airports are playing within both our national, regional and local economies, supporting growth and promoting links both across the UK, as well as with our many partners abroad. I was particularly pleased, as was the airport, the Minister had chosen a visit to Southampton Airport as her first regional airport visit. This shows the regard the Department for Tranport has for Southampton Airport. ”
“Southampton Airport, which is located within my constituency, is an important local employer and continues to go from strength to strength. Like me, the team at the airport recognise the need for infrastructure improvements if this growth is to continue, and we were thrilled to have this opportunity to bring this to the Minister’s attention during her visit, particularly ahead of the launch of the first Easyjet flight from the airport next week. ”
The visit followed a question from the Eastleigh MP to the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, in which Mims highlighted that the route between Southampton Airport and Edinburgh and Glasgow are two of its busiest, supporting productivity and connectivity.
Commenting further Mims said:
“Southampton Airport plays a vital role in supporting other regional airports, and the areas in which they are situated, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, and I was pleased to highlight this in the Commons Chamber to the Scotland Secretary.”
“I was delighted that the Secretary of State acknowledged the important role of regional airports in supporting the economy, and particularly welcomed his announcement that the Government is developing a new aviation strategy that will consider how best to encourage and improve domestic connectivity, to the benefit of both Scotland and the whole United Kingdom. The airport plans to bring forward a new master plan next year showing its continued ambition and I am delighted to hear that this includes the use of local apprentices working alongside Eastleigh College.”