For those of you who weren't members, this is a continuation of something I started on the old Yahoo group before it closed down.

It was looking like a very quiet year for the airport (in terms of developments and news as well as movements) until December when a bombshell, but on reflection unsurprising, announcement was made - more on that later.

The year started really well with four consecutive increases in our passenger figures, before declining over the remainder of the year, possibly due to the PFF, but we won't know that for sure until we see December's figures, which will be when the controversial tax will have been running for one year. Either way, it looks like we'll see our lowest figures since the early 1970s.

More good news arrived in June with the discovery that a new start-up aircraft salvage and recycling company (Sycamore Aviation) was to set-up shop in Hangar 4. Boeing 737-500 N249AN soon arrived and had been broken up by early November. Presumably they are also behind the work on A330 5B-DBT and the rumoured second one during December.

August was a rough month for us, firstly thanks to some bad luck with the news that Holidays 4U had entered administration, ending all our Turkey flights - our most popular Summer destination. This left just Bourgas, Jersey and Palma and even Bourgas didn't see the full season through (not sure whether or not they're returning for 2012?).

Also during August, the Northern Echo reported a "Use it or lose it" quote from Vancouver Airport Services CEO Craig Richmond. Unfortunately, he was referring to a particular service as opposed to the airport itself but typical of the press, they either got it wrong or deliberately put a twist on it to make a bigger story. The Southampton service also ended during the month, although they still fly there on Sundays, but the seats are not for sale.

Finally, during December, Peel Airports Limited brought in PricewaterhouseCoopers (curiously, PwC normally deal with firms that have entered administration) to find a buyer for Durham Tees Valley Airport. This, unsurprisingly has sparked a great deal of panic amongst the general public and local government, as well as ourselves. My initial fear was that in the present climate no buyer would be found and Peel would place the airport into administration and that would be the end. However, I have been made aware that there are some interested parties. Only time will tell.

Also during December, the airports largest users, Cobham, have moved the Falcon's to Bournemouth and the Beech 200's to Newcastle. This is only until January, but if they find it relatively easy operating out of these airports, what's to stop them from not coming back at all?

2012 Prospects

Until we know who the new owner of the airport will be, if anyone, it's difficult to predict what's going to happen over the next twelve months. As far as I can see there are two scenarios:

A) It would be very difficult to justify the continuation of passenger services and the more popular opinion from the people I've spoken to is the airport will turn it's focus to general aviation (which would be wise given Newcastle have little or nothing and despite Leeds having Multiflight, they have little in terms of air taxi and private charter) and / or a Kemble of the north.

B) Well, it's probably best not to mention what option B is.

One thing we might see is yet another increase in private and executive traffic as the more wealthy travel down to the Olympics.

We're working on something a little bit special for 2012, hopefully, we'll be able to go public with it during January. Again however, the prospect of new owners may mean it either never gets off the ground or it won't reach it's full potential. Hopefully, watch this space!

Happy New Year everyone!