Exeter Airport can now apply for a multi-million-pound government grant designed to help protect jobs and the local economy.

The government’s Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme aims to help commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance and business rate bills.
Exeter Airport stands to benefit, along with Bournemouth, Bristol, St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly, Land’s End and Newquay.
Airports and ground handlers can apply via the government’s website and, if successful, should receive funding by the end of the financial year.

Exeter Airport bosses would be able to apply for up to £8 million to help them cover fixed costs while travel restrictions remain in place. The scheme, which follows the government’s extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, is open for applications until February 21.
Ministers say the investment will support airports following the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to protect public health and prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the government continues to roll out its vaccination programme.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “A thriving aviation industry has been central to the success of this country and while we recognise the testing conditions airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I believe the sector will be ready to bounce back once restrictions are lifted.”
Mr Shapps said the scheme was “another step in the right direction”.

Aviation Minister Robert Courts said: “The aviation sector plays a crucial role in our economy, contributing £22 billion directly to the UK economy and supporting around half a million jobs.
“We are well aware of the challenges facing the industry. However, this scheme will give airports and ground handlers in England a boost, helping them continue to prepare for a future when international travel is ready to take off again.”

The government has also extended the waiver of the ‘80:20’ slot usage. This removes the requirement for airlines to operate flights at least 80 per cent of the time to retain their slots, reflecting the low demand for air travel.