Soon, regional UK jet setters in Bournemouth, Norwich and Exeter could be able to reach new destinations via plane, as the three airports have been sold as part of a £200 million deal.
The regional hubs are operated by Regional and City Airports, which has entered a new partnership. Investment group ICG has struck a deal to buy the airports for the multi-million-pound sum, promising new flight routes and possibly new destinations. ICG said its investment would focus on ‘growth’ for all three flight hubs, expanding both passenger and cargo operations.
Andrew Bell, chief executive of Regional an City Airports said: ‘Regional and City Airports has flourished into one of the leading UK airport groups and a high-performing enterprise.
‘We are now ready to accelerate further – with the help of our new partner, ICG. Across our networks, it will be business as usual, with the same outstanding team and vision, boosted by renewed momentum to drive our continued growth, innovation and sustainability in regional aviation.’
The potential new flight routes and destinations haven’t been confirmed yet. Currently, Exeter offers flights to 27 destinations including Amsterdam, Rhodes and Malaga.
Exeter Airport’s managing director Steven Wiltshire recently told the BBC that the Devon airport could accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers each year – 400,000 more than what it currently handles.
‘Flights are pretty full, there’s some capacity on the routes we're operating currently, but additional aircraft and new routes would help us reach that next level,’ he said.
Bournemouth currently offers flights to 48 destinations including Palma, Girona and Faro, while Norwich airport only flies to 19 holiday spots, including Malta, Faro and Alicante. Last year Bournemouth saw 1.1 million passengers pass through its gates, while Norwich welcomed 430,000 over 12 months.
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