Norwich, Tuesday 12 June 2012 – Norwich International Airport – Planning Application for Engine Testing A new planning application has been submitted for an Engine Test Facility at Norwich International Airport.
The application, submitted by the Airport Authority, identifies a site for the construction of the facility on the north eastern sector of the airfield. This site was identified through an extensive evaluation of all possible options, taking account of a range of factors including the impact of noise and emissions on those living near to the airport, as well as land availability and other operational constraints. The application seeks permission to construct a state of the art Ground Run Enclosure (GRE) which has been developed and refined in conjunction with key stakeholders including the airport, KLM UK Engineering, noise and environmental impact specialists and the local community. This facility will enable engine testing to continue at Norwich International, thereby securing the 341 full time and up to 100 contract jobs provided by KLM UK Engineering. It would also safeguard a significant number of indirect jobs within the local supply chain. The maintenance, repair and overhaul services provided by KLM UK Engineering to both domestic and international airlines has operated under a number of guises at Norwich International for over 35 years, during which time they have carried out the testing of aircraft engines as an integral part of a complete maintenance and overhaul package.
Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport said: “This application is the culmination of an enormous amount of work to identify the optimum location and technology to enable engine testing to continue to take place, whilst minimising as far as possible the impact of the activity itself on the surrounding community. The ability to test engines is critical to KLM UK Engineering’s business at the Airport and we hope this new facility will provide the solution to many years of uncertainty.
