Press Release

7 May 2020

Solent Airport plays a vital role in Covid-19 effort

At a time when the country remains in lockdown as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Solent Airport at Daedalus, which is owned by Fareham Borough Council and managed by RCA, is proving to be a valuable regional asset.

Although, with the exception of essential maintenance flights, the airport remains closed for general aviation activities in accordance with Government guidelines, it continues to be open for those who need it.

Recent lifeline operations at the airport include:

DA-42 aircraft delivering ventilator parts to the local area in support of coronavirus
Repatriation flight from UK mainland to Guernsey
Supporting the coastguard with daily and Search and Rescue operations;
The first UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) trials of a drone transportation service to speed up delivery of medical supplies to the local area
Refuelling for essential flights, and
A Beech 200 aircraft remains on standby for any medical evacuations or emergencies

Cllr Woodward said: ‘In its former life as HMS Daedalus, Solent Airport was a vital asset for the Royal Navy and indeed the busiest airfield in the country on D-Day. Roll forward 76 years and the airport is once again proving to be a valuable resource for those who need it at a time of national crisis.”

ENDS