Big jets set for Kemble (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Big jets set for Kemble

BOEING 737 jets could soon be landing at Kemble Airfield, the Standard can reveal.

However, the once a month flight will not be carrying scores of package holidaymakers but simply carrying out training exercises for pilots.

Kemble Airfield has recently had an enquiry about the possibility of the Boeing 737-700 jets using the airfield one day a month for training purposes.

Speaking at a liaison meeting attended by representatives of the parishes surrounding the airfield as well as North Wiltshire and Cotswold District councils, airfield manager David Young outlined the situation.

He said: "I would like to think we are fairly honest and open. There is a possibility, slim but still a possibility; we have been approached by one of the airlines about the possibility of using Kemble one day a month to use a 737-700.

"It is extremely unlikely that anything will happen, but if it does we will only do it on a trail basis.

He went on to explain the plane would only be allowed to operate on a strictly nine-to-five basis.

"We would obviously like to do it because it will provide substantial income which would be ploughed back into maintenance of the airfield," Mr Young added.

Ray Brassington, environmental health officer with Cotswold District Council at the meeting asked whether the council would be informed of the flying days in order for them to inform the public.

Mr Young confirmed that should the visits take place all the relevant parties would be properly informed.

The 737-700 is one of the world's most successful passenger aircraft, seating between 126 and 149 people. It has also been used as a cargo transport plane.

When it was first developed it was known as the square plane because it is as long as it is wide. It is now used by several major airlines as a short haul passenger plane.