Hopes are high at the airport (From Barry And District News)

Hopes are high at the airport

CARDIFF International Airport is celebrating this week after being confirmed as the main airport of Wales.

Announcing the Government's aviation white paper, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling's dashed hopes for Severnside International by setting out his vision for the future.

Claiming that an airport in south East Wales would not be viable, he said he "preferred to see development at Cardiff and Bristol."

Mr Darling added that he, and the National Assembly, felt Cardiff should remain the main airport for Wales. However, he stressed that further terminal development is needed and access needs to be improved.

The news has been warmly welcomed throughout Wales.

Wales Secretary Peter Hain said: "The role of regional airports is vital and Cardiff has an increasingly important part to play in connecting Wales with the rest of the world."

A spokesman for the Airport said: "The announcement on Tuesday clearly positions Cardiff International Airport as the primary airport serving South Wales and acknowledges its importance as a key economic generator for the Region.

Further, it acknowledges the airport as a key asset in the future development of transport infrastructure within Wales.

Managing Director Jon Horne said: "The UK Government, in Consultation with the Welsh Assembly Government, have within this White Paper set out a clear framework for the development of aviation within Wales. It also represents a clear acknowledgement of the importance of Cardiff International Airport and its future role as an economic generator for the country.

"In recent times we have experienced very significant growth in passenger and freight traffic. We look forward to working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government on the important opportunities and issues set out in the White Paper and to realising the full potential of the airport and the economic benefits that flow from that development."

Chief Executive of TBI plc, Keith Brooks, added:

"This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the future of Cardiff International Airport, the management and the staff. It will be our job to build on this opportunity to deliver growth in airlines and passengers over the coming years."