Airport adds radar in 'largest capital cost' so far

6 hours ago

Naj ModakYorkshire

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is due to reopen in April 2028

DSA Aerial view of a long airport runway stretching into the distance through flat countryside. The paved runway, marked with white centerline and landing markings, is flanked by wide green grass fields and parallel taxiways. Small airport buildings and service roads are visible to the left, with farmland and wooded areas extending to the horizon beneath a partly cloudy blue sky. — Doncaster Sheffield Airport is due to reopen in April 2028

Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has invested in a new radar system, marking the "largest capital cost" ahead of the site's reopening.

Technology group Raytheon UK will next year install equipment from RTX, which provides air traffic systems to facilities in 45 countries, in a deal worth £7m.

DSA closed in 2022 with its owners declaring it unviable, but City of Doncaster Council hopes to fully reopen the site in April 2028.

Simon Hinchley, executive director for airport operations at the site's operator FlyDoncaster, said: "Placing this significant order is arguably the most important step in reopening the airport to date and speaks volumes about the intent and sense of direction."

Raytheon UK director and general manager of services Kevin Hobson said: "This is a critical investment in airport infrastructure that will help deliver safe, efficient and reliable operations."

In July, the airport revealed numerous new hires to the Air Traffic Services team

Mark Ansell/BBC Two members of staff are sitting with headsets on looking at a big screen which has the airport runway showing. They are in the air traffic control simulator room. — In July, the airport revealed numerous new hires to the Air Traffic Services team

The investment comes after a consultation began on potential noise concerns around arrival and departure routes once DSA reopens.

The airport currently employs more than 80 people on site and is working to put in place a wide range of operations ahead of opening to passengers and freight operators.

In July, the airport revealed numerous new hires to the Air Traffic Services team.

Backed by City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, DSA is expected to generate £5bn for the regional economy by 2050.

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