Pembrokeshire County Council has signed a lease with a local aviation company for the operation of Haverfordwest Airport, securing the future of the important facility.
Haverfordwest Airport provides emergency services with an operating base locally, promotes economic opportunities for the area and allows commercial and private operators to fly in and out of the County.
Pembrokeshire County Council has operated the airport since the 1950s. However, in the current financial climate the continued cost of operating the Airport could not be justified by the Council and alternative arrangements were sought.
Last year Cabinet backed a recommendation to lease the airport to an existing stakeholder and established aviation company on the basis that the facility would continue as a Cat 2 Licence Airport.
An agreement between the Council and Haverfordwest Airport Ltd, has now been signed.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader, said: “I gave the team a clear mandate in these negotiations, maintain a functioning airport at no ongoing cost to the taxpayers.
“I am delighted that we have reached an agreement with the company that delivers on those objectives. Pembrokeshire will continue to be well served by Haverfordwest Airport, whether that be supporting the Air Ambulance and Coastguard or supporting the County economy, as developments like the Celtic Freeport get underway.
“I would like to thank those involved in the negotiations, both the Council team and those on Haverfordwest Airport Ltd’s side for bringing us to this point. I’d also like to wish our dedicated staff who are transferring to Haverfordwest Airport Ltd a happy prosperous future with their new employers.
“I look forward to many more years of Haverfordwest Airport benefitting the people and economy of Pembrokeshire.”
The Directors of Haverfordwest Airport Ltd, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this exciting new chapter as the proud operators of Haverfordwest Airport Ltd.
“This is a remarkable opportunity for us to breathe new life into such an iconic gateway, and we are committed to enhancing the airport’s facilities and services for the benefit of the community, visitors, and businesses alike.
“We also recognise the importance of Haverfordwest Airport to the emergency services, and we are dedicated to continuing our support for their vital operations, 24/7, 365 days a year.
“We would like to acknowledge the hard work of Pembrokeshire County Council in getting us to this point, and we look forward to driving the airport’s growth, innovation, and connectivity in the years ahead.”
Haverfordwest Airport Ltd will take over day to day operations at the airport and Council airport staff will be transferred as part of the lease.
The future operation of the County Show on part of the airport site will not be affected.
