A HAMPSHIRE MP accompanied the new Aviation Minister on a tour of Southampton Airport.

Eastleigh MP Mims Davis, accompanied Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg during her visit which aimed to highlight the important role that regional airports play in boosting local economies as well as supporting both domestic and international links.

The minister also met airport staff including managing director David Lees.

Ms Davies said that she was pleased that the minister had chosen a visit to Southampton Airport as her first regional visit.

“This shows the regard the Department for Transport has for Southampton Airport, ” she said

“Southampton Airport is an important local employer and continues to go from strength to strength. Like me, the team at the airport recognise the need for infrastructure improvements if this growth is to continue, and we were thrilled to have this opportunity to bring this to the minister’s attention during her visit.”

The visit followed a question in the House of Commons from the Eastleigh MP to the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell. In it Ms Davies highlighted that the route between Southampton Airport, and Edinburgh and Glasgow are two of its busiest.

Ms Davies continued: “Southampton Airport plays a vital role in supporting other regional airports, and the areas in which they are situated, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, and I was pleased to highlight this in the Commons Chamber to the Scotland Secretary.”

“I was delighted that the Secretary of State acknowledged the important role of regional airports in supporting the economy, and particularly welcomed his announcement that the Government is developing a new aviation strategy that will consider how best to encourage and improve domestic connectivity, to the benefit of both Scotland and the whole United Kingdom. The airport plans to bring forward a new master plan next year showing its continued ambition and I am delighted to hear that this includes the use of local apprentices working alongside Eastleigh College.”