BUSINESS people in York could be whisked to a new international airport in only 15 minutes, it was disclosed today.

That is the vision for the next decade should developers get the go-ahead to transform the former RAF airbase at Finningley, outside Doncaster into a major airport with long-haul flights.

And it is a vision applauded by business leaders in York who believe that a Finningley Airport, proposed for 2002, would attract inward investment, particularly from the US, improve exports and generate a tourism boom for the city.

Virgin Rail today disclosed that it had been in touch with Peel Airports Ltd, which through Peer Holdings wants to develop the 800 Finningley acres in an £80 million investment which would take advantage of its 1.9 mile long runway - one of the longest in the north of England.

If the controversial scheme gets the go-ahead and Virgin Rail wins the franchise to operate the East Coast Main Line then a new station could be built to serve the airport, with 210 mph trains rocketing between Doncaster and York in only 15 minutes.

GNER, Virgin Rail's rival for the franchise, says it has for some time been in touch with Peel about the possibility of road access arrangements linking its "parkway stations" - planned parking islands for motorists using trains - with the new airport.

Neil Pakey, commercial director of Peel Airports, confirmed: "We have received a letter confirming the idea from Virgin Rail and there have been verbal discussions with GNER."

Finningley, which would be ideal for heavy aircraft flying to and from the Caribbean, the Far East and North America, would have a profound effect on North Yorkshire business people who have tended to use Leeds Bradford Airport for short haul and Manchester for long haul flights.

Stan Hardy, president of the Yorkshire and Humberside Institute of Directors said: "Speaking as a York-based businessman the prospect of such an airport and fast links to it is great news.

"The impact on freight and tourism could be enormous, particularly as Peel are looking at the transatlantic market and it could mean a huge benefit for the First Stop York campaign. In all there is a huge potential for more business and more jobs."

Paul Murphy, chief executive of the Inward Investment Board, said: "There are a lot of ifs and maybes, but if this does come off it would be smashing for York. Our communication by road and rail is already a major part of our attraction to business and this would mean the final piece in the jigsaw of our communications infrastructure."

But the airport plan, submitted to Doncaster planners, has not received the same welcome from existing airport operators in the region, including the expanding Leeds Bradford, Humberside and Sheffield airports.

Leeds Bradford International Airport today urged the board of Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, to support its call for a public inquiry into the proposals.

PICTURE: An aerial view of the former RAF Finningley air base, near Doncaster, which could be transformed into an international airport