NEWCASTLE International Airport will create more than 2,000 jobs and double passenger numbers by 2030 if a bold masterplan gets the go ahead.

Buoyed by a flurry of positive economic indicators, including today's 0.6 per cent GDP hike, airport chiefs have laid out their vision to make Newcastle International an even more important asset to the regional economy. 

They want to grow passenger numbers from 4.4 million to up to 8.5 million by 2030 and increase aircraft movements from 62,200 to up to 87,500 - making it one of the top 10 biggest airports in the UK.

The announcement marks the beginning of a major consultation process as the airport gathers the views of local residents and interested parties on the impact of future developments.

The masterplan shows how possible development requirements might look, including extensions to the terminal, additional aircraft and car parking and improved access, alongside the creation of a new business park facilities. 

It also outlines the airport’s major economic impact and its important role in supporting jobs and exports. Currently the airport supports 7,800 jobs across the region and by 2030 this will rise to up to 10,000.

The development of two business parks on land south of the runway - one to extend existing aviation-related activities such as freight, and a new site for offices - have the potential to deliver thousands more, bosses said.

The airport contributed £646m to the regional economy in 2012, and by 2030 it is estimated that this figure will more than double.

Dave Laws, the airport’s chief executive, said: “Our aim is to be the UK’s most welcoming airport. As part of this aim we want to provide an improved airport, to encourage new routes and attract new customers.

"To do this we need to develop additional infrastructure, such as improvements to the terminal, better car parking and access, and the development of the southside, which will help diversify the airport business and secure new income sources.

“We want to help our neighbours and the wider North-East region understand how the airport will grow in the future. We also want to demonstrate that we have carefully considered the local impacts our plans could have, including on the community, the environment and local roads.

"We’ve launched a consultation process in order to hear everyone’s view on our plans, and once all the responses have been reviewed we will consider whether any changes need to be made.”

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: ““With such outstanding performance in export markets, connectivity by air is of crucial importance to regional business.

"The North East Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the efforts of the airport to grow passenger and freight volumes, and deliver new routes.

“This new masterplan is a bold vision for how the airport could look in 2030, and what the scale of the benefits of this investment could be to the North East economy could be.

“The team at the airport have set out the facilities and infrastructure required to deliver growth, and how they will manage the local impacts. It is now for the region to get behind this ambitious plan.”

As part of the masterplan consultation, the airport is organising a series of public meetings and roadshow events.

More information about public meetings and contact information for the consultation process can be found at at www.newcastleairport.com/masterplan

For a detailed look at what the airport's masterplan means for the whole region see your free Jobs&Business supplement next Wednesday.