Colourful welcome awaits riders at airport

An airbridge has been decorated with multicoloured versions of the famous “Y” logo ahead of Tour de Yorkshire.

Riders and visitors will soon be arriving into the county via the airport for the biggest Tour de Yorkshire ever which gets underway next week.

Following the appointment of new chief executive, David Laws, new ownership and a number of changes to the terminal all now well underway, the airport has also recently taken the decision to rebrand.

The intention is to create an airport that matches the needs and requirements of the region it serves and become a gateway to thousands of visitors coming to explore Yorkshire.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: ”The colourful Y branded airbridge is a great sight for people to see when they first arrive here and typical of the warm Yorkshire welcome they’ll receive throughout their visit to our great county.

“This is the start of a great partnership with Leeds Bradford International Airport as we look forward to supporting them in their exciting development plans.”

Mr Laws said: “Our aim is to create an airport the whole of Yorkshire can be proud of. We are delighted to partner with Welcome to Yorkshire and have their iconic brand on show to greet passengers arriving in the region.

“This is just the start of an exciting partnership between the region’s international gateway and the official destination management organisation.

“Welcome to Yorkshire work tirelessly to help promote and grow the region’s visitor economy and we want to work with them to ensure people can access this wonderful county from its local airport and help us both move forward.”

The Tour de Yorkshire begins in Beverley on Thursday, May 3 and ends in Leeds on May 6.

This year’s route also goes through Barnsley, Doncaster, Halifax, Ilkley, Richmond and Scarborough.

After a record number of spectators last year, the race has been extended with an extra day given to the women’s event.