Pembrey Airport set for expansion

PEMBREY Airport could be in line for a major expansion with the opening of its new long runway.
It means the airport boasts a longer runway than London’s City Airport, which runs regular flights to America, and has regained its commercial status, which it lost in August last year.

Now Pembrey’s owner Captain Winston Thomas has revealed plans to cater for larger numbers of passengers.
He said he was thrilled that the Civil Aviation Authority had reissued the airport’s commercial status and explained that he would like to see the airport become a regional hub serving the community.
The airport is already home to South Western Airlines, which is a charter airline operating passenger and freight services from Pembrey to other UK destinations and into Europe.

But the runway expansion could mean flying more passengers further afield.
Mr Thomas said: “The runway extension is important. We are now longer than the runway at London City Airport, where British Airways has started flying Airbus A318s to New York City.
“That gives an idea of the opportunities for the future development on the airport.”
It is hoped the airport will play a big part in making next year’s horse racing at Ffos Las a success.
Mr Thomas added: “There will be opportunities for development, as the demand is very high — like the horse racing, teams from far afield will be able to fly their horses into the airport.”

Pembrey Airport has a long history serving the RAF. It was built in 1937 and in September 1939, the RAF’s No. 2 Air Armament School was the first unit to be stationed at the airfield.
The airport lost its commercial status last August, but it was reinstated on November 5 this year, once the new runway was completed.
Pembrey Airport’s terminal building will also be changing as Mr Thomas plans to cater for more people, with improved facilities for business passengers.