Durham Tees Valley Airport is contemplating a name change, which, according to some local MPs, will help to improve the level of business at the airport.
Tory MP for Stockton South, James Wharton, is calling for Teesside to be reinstated as part of the airport’s name. Wharton said that changing the hub’s name to Teesside would be an important statement that its new owners were keen to listen to the wishes of the local community.
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop, agreed, telling the Gazette Live, “Talk to anyone from Teesside about Durham Tees Valley Airport, and they still refer to it as Teesside Airport.”
However, Alex Cunningham, Labour’s Stockton North MP, said, “The name was changed with the encouragement of the owners and organisations as they felt it would give it a stronger identity in line with the whole sub-region.”
While the airport’s management – including airport director Mike Morton – has confirmed that it is open to considering the name change, it has called for proof that the change would result in increased business for the hub.
A Tees Valley Unlimited spokesman said: “We believe both Tees Valley and Teesside brands have an important part to play in bringing the assets of the area to the notice of the Government, potential investors and relocating businesses.
“We are confident the owners of the airport will decide what is the most appropriate brand and, of course, we will support whatever decision they come to,” added the spokesman.
