Leeds Bradford Airport to receive grant of up to £8 million to protect local jobs and bounce back after coronavirus
- The Conservative Government’s multimillion-pound support scheme for airports has now opened – with Leeds Bradford Airport set to receive up to £8 million this year.
- The scheme reflects the aviation sector’s valuable contribution to the UK economy, and will help to ease pressure on airports hit by the pandemic.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that Leeds Bradford Airport is now able to apply for a Government grant worth up to £8 million, helping to protect jobs and the local economy in West Yorkshire.
The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme, which opened on Friday 29 January, will help Leeds Bradford Airport, and other commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the covid-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills.
Airports and ground handlers can apply to the scheme on GOV.UK, and if successful, should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
The financial support scheme, which follows the Government’s extension of the Job Retention Scheme, is open for applications until 21 February 2021.
This investment will help support Leeds Bradford Airport following the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the Government continues to roll out its world leading vaccination programme.
Commenting, Craig Whittaker MP said:
“I am thrilled that Leeds Bradford Airport will receive up to £8 million to help it protect jobs during these challenging times.
“This funding offers vital support for Leeds Bradford Airport – which supports so many jobs and businesses in our community.
“This Conservative Government has provided unprecedented levels of support to protect jobs and businesses through the pandemic, and this latest support will be hugely important for helping West Yorkshire to build back better after coronavirus.”
Commenting, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“A thriving aviation industry has been central to the success of this country and while we recognise the testing conditions airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I believe that the sector will be ready to bounce back once restrictions are lifted.
“Today’s scheme is another step in the right direction, providing vital support for an industry that is raring to get back to business, once it is safe to do so.”
