Durham Tees Valley promoting global ties

The new owners of Durham Tees Valley Airport say they're confident the site has a future and are launching a new marketing campaign promoting its global links.

It's called "The World's on Your Doorstep" and involves teaming up with Dutch airline KLM, which operates regular daily services to Amsterdam.The news comes just months after the airport was put up for sale by its previous owners, Peel Airports, who said the business was no longer part of its plans.

The number of passengers using the site, near Darlington, has fallen by almost two thirds in recent years, and the number of destinations and carriers has also dropped.

In February, Peel Investments, a subsidiary of the Peel Group, acquired the majority shareholding in the airport, securing its future.

Announcing the launch of the campaign, newly appointed Chairman, Robert Hough, said: "We always knew there was a tremendous local pride in the airport and since February, we have built on that, establishing close links with many different partners and interests, including our local authorities and Tees Valley Unlimited."

He added: "We all recognise that one of our most important assets is the long-standing commitment of KLM to Durham Tees Valley and the importance of its service to the area's economy.

"That is why we have worked with the airline to develop a joint marketing campaign aimed at highlighting that, wherever you want to be in the world, you can get there with KLM from Durham Tees Valley."