News

Airport managers at  London Ashford Airport (LAA) in Lydd  said they had paid a five-figure sum to hire the Boeing 737-300 series to perform take-off and landing trials, but it would be money well spent if it helped to demonstrate how well the airport can cope with modern passenger jets.

Boeing 737-300's could be flying into Lydd

The Romney Marsh airport is seeking permission to expand and this will be the type of aircraft used if the airport is successful with it's application. 

The jet spent three hours at at the airport in Lydd on Saturday (24 February) flying circuits of the area to try to dispel objectors' fear.

Lydd Airport is fulfilling a pledge made last year at meetings with residents and Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard. 

"Groups objecting to the development are making wild claims about flight paths and jets screaming over rooftops," said managing director Zaher Deir to the BBC.

"By arranging this visit everybody who lives on Romney March and the rest of Shepway can see the truth for themselves."

LAA has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council, for a  new terminal building to handle up to 500,000 passengers a year and for two runway extensions. 

A public consultation on the plans runs until 5 March.