Blackpool Airport re-opens to businesses

Blackpool Airport majority owner Balfour Beatty is to re-open the site to handle small aircraft and helicopters.

It will not handle commercial flights, and Jet2 has switched its operations to Manchester.

A newly incorporated company, Squires Gate Airport Operations, will oversee the site.

The move follows the closure of the loss-making airport in October, which came at a cost of more than 100 jobs.

A statement read: "Following the airport closure, we announced our commitment to develop a sustainable future for aviation services at Blackpool Airport, today is the first step in that process. "Squires Gate Airport Operations Ltd will support the return of independent aviation businesses to Blackpool, including Bond Offshore Helicopters. We look forward to working with the local councils and other stakeholders as we seek to ensure a long term future for flying in Blackpool."