Gary Winterman of Anglo European Express speaks to Steve Gill of Doncaster Airport about the importance of importing and exporting cargo in the region.

Exporting goods has to be one of the backbones for sustained growth in our region. There's a knock on effect felt all the way across our business infrastructure.

It's simple - the more we can export, the more revenue we have into the area. This is paramount if we are to bring Doncaster back into growth and to provide jobs within the community. I urge all businesses who export, whatever the size, to just look at what services are on offer in Doncaster and use them.

Doncaster and Sheffield City Region is developing a viable alternative connection to the worldwide community. We have one of the most significant facilities to be built in recent year's right here on our own doorstep. Robin Hood Airport can act as one of the catalysts as we look forward to Doncaster becoming a local hub for the facility of international trade.

It's critical to the future of Doncaster's economy that Robin Hood Airport is a success. The airport has a significant freight capability that far outstrips that of neighbouring Leeds Bradford and Humberside. As far as I understand there's currently over 120,000 tonnes of freight leaving Yorkshire and the Humber each year which is flown from airports outside of the region.

The opening of the Link road between the M18 and Robin Hood Airport will further open the scope of freight opportunities available to the wider business community.

After I spoke with the newly appointed Robin Hood Airport Director Steve Gill, he added;

"RHADS has tremendous potential to provide an effective cargo business for the Doncaster and Sheffield City Region.  The airport benefits from being situated in a very central UK location and is in close proximity to local motorway and rail infrastructure."

"The airport has been designed to accommodate cargo operations and the master plan facilitates continued development of facilities to suit demand.

"The runway is the second longest in the North of England and will support transport of cargo in an efficient and sustainable manner.

"Plans are now well under way to deliver an improved road link (FARRRS) connecting the airport directly with the local M18 which will further improve its connectivity.

"The airports aspirations to build its cargo business have been endorsed and will be supported by the regional stakeholders."

We have to work hard to get the message across that Exporting and importing from our region can be done using local business, once we have the improved road connectivity, when you also take into account the Inland Port then Doncaster will be a fully integrated multi-modal transport hub and able to compete in the international freight markets and become the port of choice for both multi-national and smaller manufactures alike.

Along with Robin Hood Airport, Anglo European Express  have helped develop the infrastructure to be able to offer a one stop shop when it comes to Airfreight, whether it's a parcel to Europe or a full 747 charter to Australia. We can express your parcel or full load by road, air or sea and provide you with courier services for all your delivery needs.

Gary Winterman