Meet the new CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport

Mr Hodder, most recently CEO of airline group IAG’s low-cost brand LEVEL, will take over the post on February 1, focusing on developing passenger experience, short term recovery from the global pandemic and the longer-term vision for the airport, including the terminal replacement planning application.

With more than 20 years in the industry, his experience spans organisations including Flybe, Jetstar Airways and VivaAerobus.

As a consultant and an operator, Mr Hodder has worked across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Australasia and across all different models of airline from regional and low cost to long haul and network operations.

Current CEO Hywel Rees will leave his role after a transition period.

Mr Hodder said: “Our success at delivering excellence in customer service will be crucial in giving passengers the confidence to travel and to choose LBA, as well as in attracting new airlines that operate the most modern and efficient aircraft.

"I’m looking forward to leading the business as we face the short-term challenges of Covid and towards a sustainable long-term future, working collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders across the region, while continuing to progress the terminal replacement scheme through planning.”

Andy Clarke, chairman of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “As we look ahead to a post-Covid world, we remain fundamentally committed to improving customer experience, continuing to develop the airport to deliver a wider economic impact in the region and ensuring a sustainable future for LBA.

“I’m delighted to welcome Vincent into the role.

"His experience at low-cost players and network players, across business and leisure travel, brings a varied perspective as we seek to develop new relationships with airlines that share our vision for a responsible and efficient future, ensuring that we are ready for the return of demand in travel when the time is right.

“Hywel has been instrumental in developing the longer-term vision for LBA and has helped the airport to navigate through a challenging year for the aviation sector.

"I know Vincent shares my aspirations for the future of LBA and I’m excited to see how he will shape this.”

During his tenure, Mr Rees initiated the planning application for the development of a replacement terminal to support future demand for the airport, while overseeing a number of enhancements to the existing operation to improve customer service and offer.

LBA’s plans for a replacement terminal, submitted to Leeds City Council in May, propose the construction of a modern, three floor, 34,000 sq m building on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary.

The airport says if approved, the new terminal building would deliver a passenger experience beyond what is achievable in the existing terminal, built in 1965 and which has a legacy of several piecemeal extensions over the course of its 55-year history.

It added that the development will protect and create new, high-skilled jobs, supporting 12,650 permanent positions, and increase the airport’s contribution to the region’s economy from £377m in 2019 to £869m.

Mr Rees will be leaving to pursue other projects a spokesman for the airport said.