Cardiff airport launches research to boost English customers
28.09.05
A research project has been launched by Cardiff International Airport to identify the obstacles which could stop English travellers making it their airport of choice. A Government-supported collaboration between the airport and the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) will study the travel habits of people from the West of England, with the hope of finding ways to persuade them to use Cardiff.
The objective of the project is to increase the number of passengers using the airport and the number of destinations it serves. Oliver Jaycock, a recent graduate from UWIC, will manage the project, and will be based at the airport. It is scheduled to run for 2 1/2 years, with the first results in 2006.
Jon Horne, Cardiff International's Managing Director, said: 'This project is a great opportunity to identify and dispel misconceptions about travelling to Wales, and for the airport to develop a much wider catchment area beyond Wales.'
'Almost 10% of the passengers using the airport originate outside Wales, and there is evidence to support the fact that, while this number is growing, there is immense scope for reducing the number of West of England passengers still making the trek to Heathrow and South East airports.'
'We are not saying that people living in Bristol should, or would, choose Cardiff over Bristol for the same destination. However, Cardiff now has a growing range of services, including long haul flights, which are unique in the southwest of the UK.'
'This research is about the future. Planned improvements to the airport's road access and the recently opened rail link will make us easier to reach and more attractive to a new audience. Already we are working to establish direct rail services from a range of places such as Bath, Bristol, Gloucester and Swindon.'
'Having the data from this research project will inform the messages we need to convey to that new audience about the opportunities presented by Cardiff International Airport, it will also be vital in our work to attract new routes and airlines.'
Backing for the project comes from both the Department for Trade and Industry and the Assembly Government.
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