Sale of Gloucestershire Airport to Bring "Much-Needed Investment" to the County

Strategic Insights -

As the sale of Gloucestershire Airport draws near, aviation enthusiast and YouTuber Andy Clarke is optimistic about the future of the site. Clarke, who overcame his fear of flying to obtain a pilot's license at the airport in 2020, believes that the sale will bring in much-needed investment and enhance the county's aviation landscape. Clarke's comments come as a response to criticisms leveled by Councillor Andrew Bell, who referred to the airport as a "private flying club" and expressed concerns about the sale.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gloucestershire Airport has a rich history of aviation innovation, having played host to notable aircraft such as Concorde, Spitfires, and Lancaster Bombers.
  • The airport is home to a thriving cluster of aviation businesses and continues to lead the way in general and business aviation across the South West.
  • Councillor Bell's comments were "misinformed and disappointingly reductive," according to Mr. Clarke, who pointed out that the B-52 is an American bomber that would only operate from a US airbase.
  • Andy Clarke estimates that transferring ownership of the airport to someone with a strong aviation background will bring in much-needed investment and benefit local businesses and the wider community.
  • The sale of the airport is "long overdue," according to Clarke, who believes that the current dual-council ownership model may be less than ideal.
  • Mr. Clarke runs the Phobic Flyer YouTube channel and streams most weekends from Gloucestershire Airport, showcasing the comings and goings of trainee pilots, visitors, and business aircraft.

Statistics:

  • In 2020, Andy Clarke obtained his pilot's license at Gloucestershire Airport.
  • The airport has hosted various notable aircraft, including Concorde (low pass in the 1980s), Spitfires (recent operating tribute for Armed Forces Day), American F-15 low pass, and Lancaster Bombers.
  • Mr. Clarke's YouTube channel, Phobic Flyer, streams most weekends from Gloucestershire Airport.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] GloucestershireLive article on Andy Clarke's comments regarding the sale of Gloucestershire Airport.
  • [Source 2] Gloucester City Council meeting transcript referenced by Councillor Andrew Bell's comments.