Local boy who joined Doncaster Sheffield Airport in junior role when it opened in 2006 becomes new managing director

Chris Harcombe will become the airport's managing director and Kate Stow has taken on the newly-created role of director of aviation development and corporate affairs.

Both have been with Doncaster Sheffield Airport since the former RAF Finningley base opened as Robin Hood Airport in 2006 and have risen through the ranks.

Mr Harcombe was previously aviation development director, and will now have responsibility for financial, operational and commercial performance across the business. Originally from Doncaster, he joined the airport as an aviation analyst straight from university. He has been credited with taking the airport from 'a new entrant in the sector' to a successful regional hub. He had helped to grow passenger, cargo and business aviation opportunities.

Ms Stow worked in retail for travel agency TUI before joining Doncaster Sheffield Airport in a trade sales role. She has been promoted from markeing and corporate affairs director, and her new role has an expanded portfolio. She has been involved in strategic projects such as the Masterplan and the development of key land assets.

Both still live in the Doncaster area.

Chairman of the airport's owners Peel Airports Group, Robert Hough said: “Chris and Kate both joined Doncaster Sheffield Airport in junior roles in 2006 shortly after its opening. Rooted in the local community, they share a passion for the economic opportunities that the development of the airport offers the region.

"I am immensely pleased to have witnessed their progress over the last 15 years into these key leadership positions. They are completely committed to the future success of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and their endeavours have been instrumental in its growth to become the UK’s favourite regional airport.

“Between them, Chris and Kate have 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry, the majority of which has been as part of the talented team at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. I cannot think of a better unit to steer a steady course through Brexit, 2021 and beyond to further growth.”

Mr Harcombe said: “Although 2020 has been the most challenging year on record for the aviation industry, DSA has shown consistent growth over the past five years and we are determined to continue our progress and emerge stronger. Our airlines, TUI and Wizz Air, have both delivered new based aircraft in recent years, adding new destinations, increasing customer choice and creating jobs in our region. This year has also shown the dedication and resilience of our talented team and I am proud to work alongside them.”

Ms Stow added: “We have a lot to do when we start the New Year and work towards recovery from Covid. Our relationship with our airline partners TUI and Wizz Air go from strength to strength and we will be working with them to develop further destinations and quality holiday experiences that our customers enjoy.

“We continue to listen to and strive to fulfil our passengers’ desires for us to deliver global hub connectivity, increase our regional and business connections to destinations such as Belfast, Dublin and Jersey, develop our long-haul network and continue to add more choice to the most popular leisure destinations across the Mediterranean.

“We have always had a vision to be the leading airport east of the Pennines and we are resolute in that goal. DSA provides a great opportunity for airlines to increase market share and reduce their cost base, serving a region with considerable undersupply of airline seats.

“I will also continue to work with our partners in the Sheffield City Region to deliver a value-for-money business case to bring rail connectivity to the economic growth hub surrounding Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs in the region. We will be using our collective Yorkshire grit to face current headwinds with the Department for Transport to illustrate its value in levelling up the North. I am delighted by this appointment and keen to get started on making 2021 the year of our recovery.”