The Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance (SASA) is a not-for-profit social enterprise established in 2021 to manage Swansea Airport. Their aim is for a vibrant and welcoming aerodrome that sits sympathetically within its landscape, ecology and community. 

Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance was formed by users of Swansea Airport (formerly RAF Fairwood Common), which the council had leased since the 1990s to a succession of commercial operators. They were concerned that the Airport appeared to be on a path to possible closure and convinced the council to grant them a short-term lease in September 2024.

Bob Oliver MBE, Chair and CEO of Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance writes:

"The aerodrome is now operated by the Alliance and run by volunteers from our membership. In our first year our volunteers put in 17,500 hours and we have invested over £20,000 in improvements to the site from income (we are the first operator ever to have generated an operating surplus!). Our first target was to secure a CAA licence, which we have now achieved.

 Alongside that and in accordance with our founding principles, we have introduced social, economic and environmental programmes. Our vision is for a vibrant and welcoming G.A aerodrome that sits sympathetically in its landscape, ecology and community, which respects the heritage of the site, promotes biodiversity and sustainability and delivers a social programme that supports local communities and helps the council deliver its public policy objectives.

The airport occupies some 450 acres in the Gower AONB, which is under increasing pressure from tourism, changing land use and development. Gower is home to rural communities isolated from employment opportunities and council and other services so we consider it essential that we engage with our stakeholders and provide tangible social, economic and environmental benefits to them."

The volunteer hub/rest room

Runway repairs

"In partnership with schools, colleges, universities, cadet groups, Probation services and others we run schools and  youth engagement programmes, Duke of Edinburgh scheme and volunteering opportunities and internships to young, disabled and disadvantaged people. We have reached agreements in principle to make space available for a number of potential partners, including the Royal Air Force, and are engaged, with the council and environmental bodies, to develop biodiversity, ecology enrichment and net zero programmes.

 Ambitious? Yes. But do not doubt our determination, resolve or abilities, which we have already demonstrated and which have resulted in Swansea Council announcing on 12 December 2025 that it has agreed to grant a long-term lease to the Alliance, securing the future of the airport and its recently reinstated Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence.

This decision builds on progress made since July 2024, when successful talks led to SASA taking temporary control of the airport, since when the Alliance has:

• Reinstated the CAA aerodrome licence after a successful audit.
• Improved operational standards and compliance across the site.
• Rebuilt the airport's reputation among the flying community.
• Introduced new amenities, including an operational café.
• Attracted interest from businesses looking to relocate to the airport, which could bring further investment and employment opportunities.

This long lease will allow SASA to invest in infrastructure, create jobs, maintain the airport's operational licence and protect the council's interests as landlord of the airport.

 Council Leader Rob Stewart said: "This is great news for Swansea airport, the airport users and aviation enthusiasts and for Swansea generally”

"The airport had faced an uncertain future for a number of years prior to the council working with the Alliance to put in place a management plan. Since then, the Alliance has shown real commitment and delivered improvements that give us confidence in its ability to secure the airport's long-term future."

With the future of the site secured, the Alliance is now seeking new members, new volunteers and new investors to help us realise our ambitious and progressive social, environmental and economic objectives.

And we also look after aeroplanes!  "  

Refuelling a Spitfire

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