- The Government’s multimillion-pound support scheme for airports has now opened – with East Midlands Airport set to receive up to £8 million this year.
- The scheme reflects the aviation sector’s valuable contribution to the UK economy, and will help to ease pressure on airports hit by the pandemic.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has recently announced that East Midlands Airport is now able to apply for a Government grant worth up to £8 million, helping to protect jobs and the local economy in Leicestershire.
The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme, which opened on Friday 29 January, will help East Midlands Airport, and other commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the covid-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills.
Airports and ground handlers can apply to the scheme on GOV.UK, and if successful, should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
The financial support scheme, which follows the Government’s extension of the Job Retention Scheme, is open for applications until 21 February 2021.
This investment will help support East Midlands Airport following the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the Government continues to roll out its world leading vaccination programme.
Commenting, Jane said:
“I am thrilled that East Midlands Airport will receive up to £8 million to help it protect jobs during these challenging times.
“I visited the airport last year and was able to tour the freight facilities that are rapidly expanding. But it was very clear that the airport can’t rely on freight alone and the lack of holiday passengers had resulted in a large financial hit.
“EMA is a major employer locally, and many people from the Loughborough constituency are employed by the airport or by spin-off businesses, so naturally, I was pleased to hear this news.
“The airport also forms a central part of the East Midlands Freeport bid which has just been submitted to Government, so it is vital that we continue to have this major asset on our doorstep.”