Airport owner has hopes for 600 new jobs

PLANS to develop a West Wales airport and the possibility of creating 600 jobs have been welcomed by Llanelli AM Keith Davies.

The owners of Pembrey airport in Carmarthenshire want to turn it into a centre for aircraft maintenance. They say they are negotiating with foreign backers to finance the scheme.

The airport currently gets most of its income through a contract with the Ministry of Defence, with military aircraft using the airfield for refuelling.

Airport owner Winston Thomas says there is a big market for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul or MRO and as many as 600 jobs could be created.

He said Dubai investors are also interested in being part of plans to develop the facility.

Mr Davies said: "Pembrey airport must play a role in the continued economic development of Llanelli and the surrounding area.

"I understand that the new investors are keen to consolidate current business at the airport with a view to developing a strong, sustainable business model for the future. "Growing the business and expanding operations would then bring with it the potential for job creation.

"Any investment which creates new, skilled jobs is most welcome and I will be meeting with representatives of the investors in the coming weeks to hear more details of their plans."