PLANS have been revealed for the future of the Lake District Airport, which has lain dormant since early 2020.

A spokesperson from Esken, formerly known as Stobart Group Limited, has said the 'short to medium term strategy' is to get planes back up in the air as the business looks to recover from the fallout associated with the pandemic.

The Esken group has also indicated that the airport, situated five miles north of Carlisle, will be assessing potential avenues in using the premise to also include military aviation and business jets, as well as ambitions to become a hub for air freight transportation - using the airport as a gateway to utilise pre-existing Esken links at London Southend Airport for northern England and Scotland.

Charlie Geller, communications director at Esken, said: "The company’s short to medium term strategy is to get the airport operational again following the period of inactivity associated with the pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the UK’s aviation sector.

"Once operational with general aviation, we will explore opportunities including business jet, military and other general aviation.

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"Building upon the strong logistics history of Esken and our freight operations at London Southend Airport, the company is additionally exploring opportunities to develop the airport as an air freight hub for a gateway to northern England and Scotland.

"The business strategy and development of the airport has the full support of Esken, who will provide the necessary financing to allow the company to continue to trade and develop its assets," he said.

The group remains confident in providing the necessary financing to allow the airport to get passengers and cargo back in the air.

In 2021, hopes were raised that the airport would potentially be re-opening with a takeover planned by The Isle of Man-based company Ettyl Limited - which signed agreements for the acquisition of Stobart Air and the airport from aviation and energy infrastructure group Esken Limited. 

At the time however, following the announcement of Stobart Air's liquidation, Ettyl issued the following response: "In response to the decision of the Board of Stobart Air to appoint a liquidator to the business and to cease operations, our thoughts are with all the staff and passengers affected.

"Ettyl Limited can confirm that it has received termination notices from Esken in respect of the proposed transactions for Stobart Air and Carlisle Lake District Airport," they said. 

In 2021, the Stobart Group changed its name to Esken Limited after two trademarks were sold for £10million.

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