Leading regional airport operator Regional and City Airports is calling on Government to designate regional airports as Enterprise Zones with a presumption in favour of development to help to address regional imbalance for economic growth and make regional airports attractive places to invest – helping to secure their long-term future.

As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, the Government has clear opportunities to build on the existing attributes of regional airports and further increase the economic benefits that they can offer both to their regions and the UK by designating these airports as Enterprise Zones, boosting their investment potential.

Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of RCA - which owns and operates seven UK regional airports, said: “Airports are generally accessible and outside conurbations. They have land available, are existing employment centres, and are generally in the wider region’s plans as an area for growth and development.

“Investment into airport sites from local businesses, spurred on by the designation of Enterprise Zone status, will help to ensure the long-term economic success of regional airports.”

Download RCA's Mini Manifesto, 'Preparing for Take off' >>

Preparing for Take off Manifesto