21 November 2013
Certain UK airfields are working to ensure that GA is still welcomed and remains affordable. Following Damyns Hall’s decision to stop charging landing fees and Cardiff Airport’s reduction in landing charges, it’s welcome news to see other airfields following suit.
Cotswold Airport (pictured) is leading the field, with the announcement that from January 2014, it will be heavily discounting all aircraft fees to visiting GA aircraft by up to 50%. A typical C172 or PA-28 will now be able to land at Kemble Aerodrome for the reduced price of £10.
Nick Howard, Cotswold Airport Manager and Director of Kemble Air Services Ltd, explained, “We realise how costly recreational flying can be and having listened to the flying community, this is something we felt we could do to help reduce those costs. Reducing our landing fees to GA aircraft gives us the ability to reach more of the pilots that have either not visited Cotswold Airport for a while or have never visited before. This will give us a chance to show ourselves off and let pilots see the fantastic improvements we have made over the last few years. These improvements will continue through 2014 as the new runway lighting project gathers pace and should be installed and ready to use next autumn”.
In addition to slashing landing fees, Cotswold Airport will also be offering discounted fees for circuits, which will give training schools and GA pilots the opportunity to engage in circuit training at reduced rates. Preferential rates will be available to flying clubs and groups.
Cotswold Airport also sports the AV8 restaurant with free WiFi access. Full details of the airfield and the new charges are available at <a href=’http://www.cotswoldairport.com’ target=’_blank’>www.cotswoldairport.com</a>.
