RAF Leuchars: Commercial airline flights may be an option for base
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 04.08.11
- Published online : 04.08.11 @ 10.07am
(Page 2 of 2)
The RAF continued to market Leuchars as the perfect base for a Scottish golfing holiday, although this was restricted to the landing of private planes.
The base has welcomed many of golf's leading players taking part in the Open Championship and also a host of celebrities and film stars including Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.
Meanwhile, Ryanair looked at flying in and out of Leuchars several years ago and even approached the MoD about the prospect.
Unclear
However, at this stage it is unclear whether Leuchars would be suitable for the large passenger numbers that would be required for the arrival of a budget airline once the army base was functional.
A spokeswoman for the MoD last night confirmed they had received a request to consider using Leuchars as an embarkation point, adding, "We are giving that due consideration."
Asked about the possibility of commercial flights, however, she said that the large number of troops — possibly as many as 1300 — scheduled to be based in Leuchars means there might not be "sufficient capacity."
North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell has also suggested Leuchars may not be suitable for a large number of commercial flights.
"Civilian use and military use do not always co-exist happily with each other, particularly if there are any considerations of national security," he said.
"When the army's requirements are fully understood it may be possible to consider civilian uses.
"A large volume airline would have a very substantial impact on local infrastructure such as the road network. The funding of any improvements to the road network might be difficult to achieve."
The debate comes after Sir Menzies accused chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, of interfering in the decision to close the base for political reasons.
Leuchars is scheduled to become the formation HQ of the Scottish brigade — which will be made up of troops returning from Germany — by 2014. It will also become home to two other major army units between 2015 and 2017.
Further detail on the plans is expected from the MoD in the coming months.
06.16pm - 04.08.2011 Keith P - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Oh, if only Dundee Airport could get similar support from the first minister.
06.17pm - 04.08.2011 Hazelkaye - Cumbernauld, UK Report This
AND it rail linked!
08.00am - 05.08.2011 Daz Hales - Koblenz, Germany Report This
Good of Alex Salmond to pay attention at last! Shame its too little too late and this stunt is just for his image. He doesn`t care a hip flask about Leuchars. I would bet his pension that there will never be commercial flying from there. Army Air Corps maybe!
08.22am - 05.08.2011 Balumbie Ryan - Dundee, UK Report This
A great oppurtunity. Instead of making Edinburgh and Glasgow airports bigger and busier, use Leuchars to provide a service to the catchment around Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perth. As #2 says, there is already a rail link in place.
10.13am - 05.08.2011 n morrison - Fife, Scotland Report This
".....It is vital for the future of the local economy in Fife and the surrounding region that aviation facilities are kept fully operational at Leuchars and the Scottish Government will do all we can to make sure that happens...." Exactly what will the SNP govt. do to help?
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