Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:46 pm on 10 March 2020.
Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'm proud of what the Welsh Government has done to support Cardiff Airport, a vital part of Wales's economic and transport infrastructure, and I'd like to begin my contribution today by making one very clear point. In 2013, the airport, had it continued under the existing commercial management, would have closed. It would have closed. Jobs would have been lost. We would have lost the main arterial air route into the south Wales, and businesses, exporters and travellers would have lost the opportunity to utilise an airport closer to their homes and premises than Bristol and Heathrow, and many other airports.
Since the Welsh Government stepped in to save the airport, we have invested in it, and delivered improvements to the terminal building and runway facilities. That investment has been recognised by the aviation industry and has led to a portfolio of airlines establishing new routes from Cardiff Airport to destinations around the world.
Cardiff Airport now directly supports more than 2,000 jobs and in 2018 delivered almost a £0.25 billion of gross value added to our economy. But the catalytic effect of the airport is even more significant, with economic analysis suggesting that Cardiff Airport is worth up to £2.4 billion to the UK economy. It leverages 5,500 supply-chain jobs and a total of 52,000 jobs in the wider economy. So, now is the time, I believe, whatever our political views, to come together to support this vital economic asset and strategic piece of transport infrastructure.
Now, in the early hours of last Wednesday, the devastating news of Flybe going into administration was announced. It's true that Flybe will impact Cardiff Airport in terms of passenger numbers. But I want to congratulate the airport team for moving rapidly to secure the Cardiff to Edinburgh route with Loganair. And I'm pleased to say, Dirprwy Lywydd, that discussions with other airlines are ongoing, and last week I had discussions with the Secretary of State for Wales and the UK aviation Minister. I've spoken on a number of occasions to the airport chief executive and chair to discuss how we can support discussions on route take-up; most recently, yesterday afternoon. And despite the loss of Flybe, the financial impact relates to just under 6 per cent of the airport's turnover. This is testament to the excellent planning and management at the airport.
Dirprwy Lywydd, I welcome scrutiny. It's right and proper that the National Assembly for Wales scrutinises the Welsh Government. It's right and proper also that we are scrutinised on our stewardship of public money and of the environment. It's also right and proper that we debate the future of the airport. However, Dirprwy Lywydd, it is not right and proper to talk down the airport. Can I make it clear that we are not wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers' money? We're investing in the long-term future of the airport in providing a commercial loan repayable, with interest, to the taxpayer. Due diligence has been taken and the support is in line with EU state-aid rules. And I wish to work collectively with Members to support Cardiff Airport and I would ask Members to reflect on this offer as this debate continues. Nick Ramsey.