Doncaster Sheffield Airport is aiming to increase cargo operations to 70,000 tonnes per year by 2037 as it unveils its 20-year masterplan.

The DSA Vision Plan sees the creation of an Aerotropolis in the Sheffield City region with the airport’s 1,600-acre site becoming a central hub.

It says the airport city would help transform the North of England, creating 73,000 jobs for the Sheffield city region and provide advanced manufacturing, logistics and aviation led innovation opportunities.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones says: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a superbly located international gateway to the north. It is already experiencing significant growth, driving job creation and delivering new economic activity.

“Most importantly, it has huge additional potential and can play a major role in the future transport and economic ambitions of the north as set out in its Vision and Masterplan.”

Transport for the North strategy director, Jonathan Spruce says: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s Vision would see it unlock significant passenger and cargo capacity and could create a major economic cluster, supporting the transformation of the North of England economy.

“We are currently consulting on our draft Strategic Transport Plan for the North which identifies DSA as a key economic centre and we recognise the need for enhanced rail access to DSA.”

The airport has the ability to handle up to 250,000 tonnes of cargo per year, with the Aero Centre Yorkshire able to provide 5.5 million square feet of airside and landside cargo, logistics, distribution and manufacturing facilities.

DSA says there are a number of drivers behind its cargo ambitions including major integrators and scheduled operators looking to expand capacity; new entrants into the air express market increasing pressure on airport capacity for European networks and trans-Atlantic connectivity; rationalisation of freighter fleets; and the continuing capacity squeeze at major airports across the UK and Europe impacting cargo operations.