Manchester airport acquires UK network

Print Article E-Mail Article

Manchester Airport has acquired UK regional airports East Midlands and Bournemouth from transport company National Express for an undisclosed sum.

The move means Manchester becomes the second biggest airport owner in the UK as it already holds a majority 82% stake in Humberside Airport, purchased in June 1999.

Manchester Airport chairman Brian Harrison says: "Both airports have great future development potential and are already highly successful businesses. East Midlands is Britain's premier cargo airport and has the ability to absorb substantial future growth in passenger and freight traffic. Bournemouth too is ideally placed to attract traffic from the congested London airports and has a great future."

Manchester Airport chief executive Geoff Muirhead adds: "We have a well-established reputation for successful business development and the management of growth. Our strategy is designed to maximise the economic, financial and jobs benefits of our airports whilst minimising environmental impact.

"Major capital investment plans for both airports are planned and I am confident that their future prospects are tremendous - benefiting the local economy at East Midlands and Bournemouth as well as our shareholders."

The acquisition follows the recent opening of a second runway at Manchester Airport, which claims it is on course to overtake Gatwick as the second busiest airport in the UK.