New holiday routes on way as airport changes hands

After more than two decades in control, Manchester Airports Group has sold its 82.7 per cent shareholding in the Yorkshire airport to Eastern Airways to focus on its larger Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports.

North Lincolnshire Council, however, has retained its minority stake in the Kirmington-based airport.

While locally convenient, the airport faces stiff competition from Robin Hood airport at Doncaster and further afield and has been criticised for the cost of flights.

Currently, KLM flies three times a day to its international hub at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport while Eastern Airlines themselves run four flights a day to Aberdeen. Charter flights serve 10 destinations, including Bulgaria, Crete and Turkey.

However, Humberside has the second biggest airport-based heliport in the country, operating 1,000 flights a month to the offshore gas industry, and there are hopes that the development of offshore wind will also bring in new opportunities.

Staff have been told it is business as usual with the current airport management team continuing to manage the operation.

Head of business development Paul Litten said they had been negotiating new routes which they should be in a position to announce within a month of so.

He went on: “Eastern Group would not have made an investment if they weren’t prepared to secure the future and develop the airport.

“It is very exciting and it is a local focus, which is different to it being run out of Manchester - having people in the airport who are stakeholders and who have belief and investment in the development of its future.”

Chairman of Eastern Group Bryan Huxford said: “We are making a strategic financial investment acquiring Humberside Airport. The airport has potential for growth, and under the present airport management team, supported by Eastern Group, will develop in accordance with the business plan already in place.”

MAG acquired a majority stake in Humberside Airport in 1999 for £10m and since then, over £7m has been invested.

Travel agent Andrew Earle said he hoped Eastern Group would put on new destinations: “With Eastern Group there is the strong probability they will be able to pull in aircraft to operate routes. Bulgaria, Crete, Turkey and Majorca have been on the agenda from the year dot; we know Tenerife would be extremely popular and I’d expect that to be on the agenda.”

Coun Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “These measures are vital in helping secure a viable future for Humberside Airport.  

“There are a number of unique opportunities to deliver jobs and growth and support, and underpin further investment in the area. The airport has a fantastic business park with huge potential.

“Its location is perfect with easy access to the ports and South Humber Gateway – vital to the future success of our region.  

“Working together, we will do all we can to attract further investment and development to North Lincolnshire and create more jobs for local people to secure a promising future.”