Preparing For Take-Off

A key strength of regional airports is that the vast majority are already operating as self-sustaining businesses within the competitive market. With most operating independently and without reliance on significant government subsidies or artificial financial support, regional airports have adapted to meet the demands of their local economies. Their ability to remain commercially viable demonstrates the resilience and flexibility of these operations, which continue to generate value for their regions through passenger services, cargo operations, and local employment.

To unlock the full potential of regional airports, RCA calls on the government to reconfirm and reinforce the UK’s commitment to the 2018 policy document: “The future of UK aviation: making best use of existing runways”. This policy acknowledges that regional airports can play a crucial role in meeting the UK’s future aviation needs without the need for expensive and controversial expansions at major hubs. By prioritising the optimisation of existing regional airport capacity, the government can support a balanced approach that benefits all parts of the UK.

Planning reform is another critical area that requires urgent attention. RCA advocates for a presumption in favour of sustainable development at regional airports. Planning processes should be streamlined to enable airports to make both timely, environmentally responsible upgrades to their infrastructure and to unlock the agglomeration effect of airports as magnets for business growth and development, ensuring they can support growing passenger numbers, evolving operational needs and regional economic growth. A reformed planning framework would not only facilitate airport development but also ensure that environmental considerations remain at the forefront of any growth strategy.

In addition, improving surface access and public transport connections to regional airports must be integral to the planning and delivery of regional transport networks. Many regional airports currently suffer from inadequate public transport links, which limits their accessibility and potential for growth. We urge the government to prioritise regional airports in its transport planning, integrating them into wider transport strategies that include rail, road, and bus network improvements. Effective surface access is essential to enhancing regional connectivity, reducing congestion, and supporting the shift toward more sustainable modes of travel.

RCA urges the government to shift focus toward enhancing the capabilities of regional airports, recognising the existing market-driven models that have allowed these airports to thrive. By strategically investing in their infrastructure and prioritising planning reforms, we can unlock even greater potential. This will enable these airports to meet rising passenger demand, support local economies, and reduce the environmental impact of aviation.

With targeted investments in technology, sustainability, and connectivity, regional airports can be positioned as vital hubs for both passenger and cargo operations, playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s broader economic and transport goals.

At RCA, our airports are taking decisive steps toward a greener future. For instance, Norwich Airport’s introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has placed it among a select few UK regional airports offering this proven option to airlines. SAF, made from sustainable feedstocks, provides up to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions over its life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, our collaboration with institutions like Cranfield University is pushing the boundaries of innovation by exploring ways to decarbonise ground operations, such as reducing emissions from aircraft turnarounds, and developing technologies like electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

However, we recognise that these efforts are just the beginning. Regional airports like those managed by RCA are uniquely equipped with the space, knowledge and infrastructure necessary to become testbeds for sustainable aviation technologies in real world environments. From trialling hybrid and electric aircraft to pioneering renewable energy projects and sustainable ground operations, regional airports can lead the transition toward Net Zero in aviation.

Our focus on innovation is also crucial to supporting the UK Government’s broader environmental goals. By leveraging regional airports as hubs of green innovation, the UK can make significant strides in its climate ambitions. We are committed to achieving Net Zero by 2040, a full decade ahead of the national aviation target, through continued investment in sustainable fuels, renewable infrastructure, and green technology.

It is crucial that the government continues to support these efforts, not only by recognising the role of regional airports but by facilitating partnerships with industry and academia that can accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Together, we can ensure that regional airports play a central role in transforming UK aviation into a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industry.

At RCA, we are tackling this challenge head-on. Our airports, in collaboration with training institutions such as the International Aviation Academy Norwich and Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre, are focused on equipping the next generation of aviation professionals with the hands-on experience and training required to lead the industry into the future. These institutions provide vital pathways for young people to enter the aviation workforce, offering training in both traditional aviation roles and the emerging technologies critical to the industry's future.

However, the issue extends beyond current training opportunities. The skills debate in aviation often focuses solely on airline operations, overlooking the critical technical roles required at airports—such as air traffic control, airport fire and rescue, and air traffic engineering. These are highly specialised fields that require extensive training and have been further strained by the impacts of COVID-19, which led many experienced professionals to exit the industry.

RCA’s approach to bridging this skills gap is to “grow our own,” investing in internal training programs that provide opportunities for ambitious employees to gain valuable qualifications and move into specialist roles. Yet, significant challenges remain. For example, a recognised apprenticeship for air traffic control officers (ATCOs) is only just starting to become available and is constrained by the regulated nature of the qualification, and apprenticeship levy funds are often inaccessible for key training programs. The high cost of training in technical areas, such as air traffic control at around £40,000 per trainee, presents a barrier to entry that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.

We urge the government to unlock the full potential of the apprenticeship levy by expanding its application to include recognised qualifications, for example those accredited or issued by the UK CAA. This would enable regional airports to invest in the training of local talent, creating well-paid, secure jobs and ensuring the long-term viability of the UK’s aviation workforce.

Without a coordinated strategy to address the skills gap, the UK risks stalling the progress necessary for the next stage of aviation’s evolution. By investing in training and development now, we can ensure that regional airports remain centres of opportunity and innovation, providing the skilled workforce required to meet the demands of the future.