Biggles

I know Joanna Simm of FrenchPropertyLinks has been trying to find out the latest news on the airport. Hard facts are difficult to come by, but her article probably represents the latest info on the progress ( or lack of it ) on the airport. http://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/essential/brive-airport.html Best wishes

I have it on good authority that the hole in the accounts has been repaired and the work will continue. It does mean, however, that the opening date is likely to be in 2009. Still no word on who will operate there. Regards

I understand there is a shortfall in the finances of about 10 million Euros. From what I have heard ( but have been unable to confirm) is that a major backer wanted a bigger stake in the project but didn't want to put any more money in. Naturally the other investors didn't think this a good idea as it would have diluted their share. The major backer decided not to play ball. This has had the effect of delaying any work and putting the finish date back by several months. The last time I pedalled past, the runways were there but only the base hardcore. There was no evidence of the services (ie electric, water, fuel, buildings etc). Don't expect much progress in the near future. Regards

Thanks for posting a reply. I have an interest as I fly light aircraft from time to time so am interested in the General Aviation facilities. I notice that you mention B747. I wonder if this is a typo as the 747 is somewhat large for this airport. Do you mean B737?

Try this site for info. http://www.aeroport-brive-souillac.com/ Regards

From what I have read it may be early 2008 before it is ready to accept traffic. I understand that there will be a 2100m runway which will accept the B737s and Airbusses of the Low Cost Operators. I think there will also be a grass runway for light aircraft and gliders. There is a website. http://www.aeroport-brive-souillac.com/ but like the airport it is still under construction. For pictures of Mrs Chirac looking very pleased at the opening of the construction, see http://olivier-s.over-blog.net/article-1022447.html Regards

I cycled around the work at Brive-Souillac airport the other day. The work is still going on although at a very slow pace. This might pick up when Mrs Chirac opens the construction on the 15th October. As far as I know it is still going ahead as I note that the Souillac Country Club website has a News Flash about the site. One of the directors of the Country Club is the local English representative on the resident's committee so he should know the latest state of play and when I asked at the Club last week they were unaware of any delay. http://www.souillaccountryclub.com/briveair.pdf The airport is between Cressensac and Estivals to the west of the A20, south of Brive. As far as I know the runway is orientated East /West. I am back in the Uk at the moment but will look again in mid November. Best wishes Alastair Jack