Council to take back control of Blackpool Airport

Blackpool Council is to bring the management and day-to-day operations of Blackpool Airport back in-house.

The council has conducted a lengthy review and search for a new operational management contractor, but has decided instead to take on control as Blackpool Airport Operations Ltd (BAOL), its wholly owned subsidiary.

The move will enable to council to maximise growth opportunities, run more efficiently and cost-effectively and ensure the sites long-term future.

Blackpool Council reacquired Blackpool Airport from Balfour Beatty in September 2017 for £4.25m via its ownership of Blackpool Airport Operations Ltd and Blackpool Airport Property Ltd. To date, it has invested nearly £2m in the upgrade and maintenance of essential infrastructure, with further significant investment planned.

Transfer of CAA licences to operate the airport into BAOL's name and under its direct control will hopefully complete later this year, at which point the contract with the current licence holder Regional and City Airports (RCA) will expire.

This arrangement where the licences are held by the airport owner rather than the management contractor is the norm in the aviation industry and brings Blackpool into line with its peers in the sector.

The changeover of the licences will not impact current job security and there will be no visible changes in the day-to-day operations at the airport for the foreseeable future, with Stephen Smith remaining as airport manager.

Cllr Campbell, Chair of the Board at Blackpool Airport Operations Ltd (BAOL) said, “The tender process for operational and management contracts has now come to an end and the Board has made the decision to bring the airport licences in-house. BAOL and Blackpool Council thank RCA for all their hard work over the past few years are now working with them to facilitate a smooth transition of airport operations.

“We should not underestimate the size and complexity of the task ahead of us, but with the support and dedication of the airport staff, the Board have every confidence in the team to take our airport forward to a brighter, more sustainable and profitable future.”

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