HUMBERSIDE AIRPORT NEWS - 25/11/2008

Change of ownership mooted at Humberside

The majority shareholder of Humberside Airport is to review the scale of its holding.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which has an 87.2 per cent stake in the regional hub, is to consider its position in relation to the airport's long-term future.

Chief executive Geoff Muirhead said: "Humberside Airport is a solid business but the attention needed to maximise its full potential may not fit easily with the group’s emerging strategy.

"The Humberside Airport team has done a fantastic job retaining and attracting airlines and maintaining stable passenger numbers, particularly during the last few years when competition has increased significantly."

Simon Driver, chief executive of North Lincolnshire Country Council, commented on the announcement, saying: "Lincolnshire Council welcomes the long-term relationship with Manchester Airports Group and recognises that now is the time to look to the future.

"We will build on the success of the airport for the benefit of North Lincolnshire and the wider region."

Humberside Airport handles in excess of 500,000 passengers each year, flying to around 30 destinations.

MAG is the UK's second-largest airport operator and also owns Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports.

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