Newcastle Airport is pressing ahead with plans that could create thousands of jobs and boost the North East economy by up to £165m a year.

The proposed AirLink facility, a 620,000 sq ft development earmarked for land south of the runway, includes provision for a cargo hub which could expand the Airport’s growing cargo operations and build on the 4,000 tonnes of goods currently imported and exported each year.

Serving as a base for cargo operators, freight forwarders and ground handling agents, AirLink would be the only facility of its kind in the region and could create up to 1,000 direct jobs on the Airport site, with up to a further 900 roles supported through supply chains and business partners.

Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “AirLink is an exciting development that would deliver major benefits for the North East - creating thousands of jobs, generating millions for the economy and unlocking more investment opportunities.

“This development would also build on the significant contribution the Airport already makes to the regional economy - it already adds more than £1bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) each year and is one of the region’s largest employers with around 3,500 people onsite and a further 17,000 roles are supported through its supply chain.

“Since unveiling the plans last year, we’ve had positive and constructive conversations with residents, businesses and partners about the benefits that AirLink would bring and these will continue as we progress with the proposals.

“Newcastle Airport has made a strong commitment to invest in its cargo services to meet growing demand and AirLink has the potential to transform our operations even further, strengthening the region’s position as a leading cargo gateway.”

Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority, said: “Newcastle Airport is a major regional asset and AirLink is exactly the type of development that would help drive further growth and investment in the region.

“With the potential to create thousands of new jobs, the facility would significantly strengthen the region’s logistics and supply chain capabilities and it sends a clear message that the North East is growing, ambitious and fit to compete on a global stage.”