Norwich International Airport - Travel Survey 2008

COMPETITION CLOSED!

Research into the travel needs of the Energy Industry in the East of England

Whilst energy is a global business in another way it is a very local business, associated with points of production.

The East of England, as a specific region, is well provided for in terms of energy related assets. Originally building from the supply chain which evolved to serve the offshore gas industry in the early 70's Norwich Airport has played a vital part in the logistics network connecting the region with other parts of the UK, the continent, and through transfers to the world. Now styled Norwich International Airport (NIA) and under private ownership, the services and routes provided to business have grown. It is important, however, to ensure that service provision evolves to meet the requirements and expectations of the regional energy business in the years ahead. EEEGR, the regional representative body for the energy industry has agreed to work with NIA. We will invite EEEGR's substantial network of contacts, who may from time to time travel through the airport to respond. The aggregated data output will support broader studies being undertaken on the economic importance of our industry to the region.

There will be a new and developing requirement to build and service offshore wind farms together with the existing requirements for the gas infrastructure, as it enters a period where the demands on asset integrity and maintenance are increasing substantially. We stand at the threshold of a potential new regional industry in Carbon Capture and Storage. Nuclear decommissioning, existing nuclear generation and the potential for new nuclear power all exist at Sizewell, Suffolk. All of these are local to East of England and demand reliable air travel. All will require seamless and cost effective travel and logistics to move people to and from locations within the UK and continent.

Norwich International currently provides access to a range of flights which support the offshore gas and oil industry. There are regular daily services to Aberdeen and Amsterdam and an increasing number of offshore helicopter flights serving the Southern North Sea. Norwich is now second only to Aberdeen as a centre for such offshore helicopter services on the east coast. This business is still growing and there are plans to provide a dedicated Terminal for helicopter passengers in the near future.

In order to support this business more effectively, we now need to know what air services to other destinations would be supported by energy related businesses in the East of England. To help persuade airlines to put on new routes, we need some hard evidence from potential customers indicating services they would use on a regular basis if they were available from Norwich International Airport.

To ensure that we are able to rely on a direct feedback from people who use NIA for business, we would be grateful if you would take the time to complete and return the few key questions (PDF download below). To encourage response to this important research we will be offering a prize of 2 free return tickets to Spain on the new LTE flights to Alicante, Palma or Barcelona (*see conditions below) to a winner drawn from those returning the completed questionnaire.

The energy industry is vital to the East of England. By completing this questionnaire you can help to ensure that Norwich International Airport continues to support that industry, and provides a service which will meet your needs. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

The draw took place on the 10th July and congratulations to Ian Pease from Lowestoft College who has won the flights. A full follow up will feature in the October EEEGR News.

For full terms and conditions CLICK HERE