Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will estimate the number of jobs (a) created and (b) supported by the Regional Air Connectivity Fund.
The Regional Air Connectivity Fund currently provides financial support for two public service obligation routes (PSO). In assessing the suitability of these routes the Department for Transport undertook an economic appraisal. Whilst this did not identify directly the number of jobs created or supported, it did calculate the economic benefits associated with funding each route.
The Department assessment of the Dundee – London Stansted PSO was that it would generate £3.9 million worth of benefits over the two year funding period, whilst the Newquay Cornwall – London Gatwick PSO would generate £13.3 million worth of benefits over the four year funding period.