A UK airport plans to become a ‘major hub’ in the country and is in talks to increase the number of flights.
East Midlands Airport, in Derby, sees around 200 flights depart each day from airlines including Ryanair, TUI and Jet2, to around 70 destinations.
But now, discussions are ‘already actively underway’, according to the airport, with airlines to expand its reach.
The new commercial director, Adam Andrews, plans to link East Midlands Airport with a major hub in Europe.
Other possibilities for the airport include improving business routes and bringing more flight options during off-peak seasons.
The plans could mean nearby residents can use the airport for travel year-round, instead of possibly having to go to other, bigger hubs across the country.
Adam told The Sun: ‘I’m moving to East Midlands Airport at what is an important time in the airport’s development in both our cargo masterplan and maximising the unique Freeport opportunity, while continuing to work to increase our passenger numbers.’
He explained how he planned to ‘maximise’ East Midland’s Airport’s potential.
East Midlands Airport, in Derby, sees around 200 flights depart each day from airlines including Ryanair, TUI and Jet2, to some 70 destinations
But now, discussions are ‘already actively underway’, according to the airport, with airlines to expand its reach
The director added: ‘We will build relationships with key decision makers and businesses from our region and it’s large three big cities to understand how we can work together to maximise the airports potential what they want from their local airport.
‘This includes looking to increase the mix of leisure destinations, introducing business routes and enabling year-round connectivity to the world.’
The airport is set to use a ‘data driven approach’ to expand and improve routes.
Adam added: ‘But what I also bring is an acute knowledge of the industry and more specifically, an understanding of what customers want.’
The new director also plans to add to East Midlands Airport’s fame as ‘the UK’s number one express air freight hub’ and hopes to expand that aspect of the airport.
He has a vast history of experience with airports, and previously worked for British Airways, and most recently was Head of Strategic Insights for Manchester Airport’s Group (MAG).
Other hubs are also expanding their flight output, including Gatwick Airport.
The new commercial director, Adam Andrews, plans to link East Midlands Airport with a major hub in Europe
Its £2.2billion second runway plan has been given the go-ahead by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
The privately financed project will see the West Sussex airport move its emergency runway 13 yards north, enabling it to be used for departures of narrow-bodied planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
Such changes will enable it to be used for about 100,000 more flights a year.
In 2024 Gatwick handled around 265,000 flights in total.
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UK airport in talks to increase number of flights and become a ‘major hub’
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