Local Business Community Celebrates Reveal of Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s New Operator

Leaders from across the local business community are today celebrating the announcement that Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI) has been appointed as the operating partner that will soon be running Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and, in the process, working closely with the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) to ensure its successful reboot.

Speaking about this, Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, commented: “We are thrilled that Munich Airport International will be overseeing the reopening of our region’s international airport, as they have real clout and expertise in this space. Entrusted in such a safe pair of hands, DSA is now poised to unlock its full potential and reap the economic benefits —  for both our city and also for the wider South Yorkshire region —  that have long been touted.

“On that note, the business community has always recognised the strategic importance of DSA and has been unequivocal in its support for the fight to preserve this valuable asset. Whether it’s by generating thousands of jobs, by creating exciting new supply chain opportunities, by increasing our access to the best talent, or by simply boosting inbound tourism, the airport has a lot of untapped potential, and it is estimated by City of Doncaster Council that the net economic benefits of its eventual reopening could be worth up to £1.5 billion within just the first three decades of reopening.

“With that in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to applaud the local authority for getting this deal over the line. The entrepreneurialism and tenacity they have demonstrated over these past couple of years — in everything from securing the 125-year lease for the airport site, right through to securing a partnership with a major player such as Munich International — has been impressive.

“Last week we welcomed the news that Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachael Reeves, had pledged her support for the airport. While businesses are still waiting with bated breath to find out more about what exactly the offer is here, we’d urge National Government to show the high-degree of ambition for South Yorkshire that has characterised the efforts of our local public sector throughout this hard-fought campaign.”

Echoing these sentiments, Matt Williams, Managing Director of Polypipe Building  Products, added: "The reopening of  Doncaster Sheffield Airport  is excellent news for Doncaster, the South Yorkshire region and its business community. As a local manufacturer with a significant presence here, we recognise the critical role a successful regional airport plays in economic development. We are keen to understand the new operator's plans and explore opportunities for collaboration. We believe our expertise and resources, along with those of other local businesses, can be instrumental in ensuring the airport's long-term viability and its contribution to the region’s prosperity.”

Thinking about what the airport means for inbound tourism, John Minion, Chief Executive Officer of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, said: “South Yorkshire is home to a number of fantastic attractions that draw in visitors from around the country, help put us in the national spotlight and, in turn, stimulate economic activity. Having a state-of-the-art airport in the region — one that’s so close to our own venue— will only help strengthen this offer and spur on our growth. With that said, we cannot wait to see what this means for our own business and for Doncaster more generally.”

Meanwhile, Mark Taylor, Founder and CEO of the Doncaster-based AI Trailblazer, Automated Analytics, enthused: “An operational airport is fundamental to ensure Doncaster continues to attract inward investment, and attract companies to locate and grow, and I am confident my business will benefit and encourage our international client base to visit Doncaster and increase the city’s competitiveness with Manchester as a northern commercial powerhouse."

Ian Hoad, Divisional Chairman at Keepmoat Homes, said: “Today’s announcement is sure to be warmly-received by local businesspeople and residents alike, given the huge implications it has for our city. As we strive to make Doncaster a better place to live, work and spend leisure time, the advantages of having an international airport cannot be understated.”

Finally, Stadium Garage Owner and #SaveDSA Campaigner Mark Chadwick, said: "This is amazing News! A proper operator for our Airport here in Doncaster. This project is getting somewhere now and I'm sure the members of our social media campaign will be thrilled with this announcement and that they will, along with our business community, applaud City of Doncaster Council’s perseverance and entrepreneurial foresight to get this project across the line. This is a major step towards creating our own airport city with better paid jobs and a much needed boost for our local economy, along with the connectivity we lost in 2022 when DSA closed."