Doncaster Sheffield Airport makes major hire ahead of reopening
Key roles ahead of the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport are starting to be filled, with aviation industry veteran David Openshaw appointed as head of security operations.
This is one of several new hires at the airport, with significant growth in teams such as HR, procurement and operations that are working to bring the site back to life.
In particular, Fly Doncaster, the arms-length body set up to run the airport, is looking to hire air traffic controllers to get flights off the ground.
With the help of around £190m in public funding, DSA will reopen next year with commercial flights due to start either at the end of 2027 or the start of 2028.
However, a huge amount of logistics and infrastructure is required to get the airport, which closed in 2022, up to speed.
Mr Openshaw said: “Having worked in aviation security for many years and the armed forces before that, this role represents one of the proudest moments of my career, standing out as one that is particularly professionally rewarding as we oversee the reopening of this airport.
“Technology and regulation has moved at pace over recent years, therefore ensuring that Doncaster is at the forefront of these advances will be a key aspect of this role.”
The security veteran will be the primary liaison with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the police, and UK Border Force.
Christian Foster, DSA’s programme director, said: “As activity significantly ramps up over the crucial months ahead, we’ll be announcing more senior hires as we put in place the right team to deliver this project for Doncaster and the wider region.”
This requires there to be one million passengers a year and 13,000 tonnes by 2031, otherwise Peel can trigger a break clause.
A second break clause enforces 2.3 million passengers a year and at least 25,000 tonnes of freight by 2036.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We have always said the challenges in front of us with reopening an airport are big.
“It’s a tricky project and at times it is a messy project, however we are working with Doncaster Council to make sure they are doing what they need to, to unlock that opportunity.”