A SPANISH airport operator has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport.
Aena, described as the world’s largest airport operator by visitor numbers, will have 51 per cent ownership of the airport after a deal struck with owners InfraBridge.
The transaction is subject to customary conditions to closing, including regulatory approvals, and completion will take place once all such conditions have been satisfied. InfraBridge will continue to manage a 49 per cent shareholding in the company.
Airport bosses said the addition of Aena as the new majority owner and the continuation of InfraBridge as a key shareholder reflects the strong performance and long-term strategic potential of Leeds Bradford Airport and the critical role it plays in supporting regional connectivity.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This agreement is a positive development for Leeds Bradford Airport, for our employees and customers and for Yorkshire. We are excited about the future as we welcome Aena as our new majority shareholder.
“Aena is the world’s largest airport operator by passenger numbers and brings deep operational expertise, and a strong track record of investing in and developing high quality airport infrastructure around the world.”
As part of the deal, Aena — which is already joint owner of Luton Airport — will acquire a stake through InfraBridge in Newcastle International Airport.
Leeds Bradford and Newcastle are “freehold” airports and will continue to be operated and managed independently of each other.
Justin Symonds, Managing Director and Head of Airports at InfraBridge said: “This agreement reflects the strong performance and long-term potential of Leeds Bradford Airport as a critical gateway for the communities it serves, and we are excited about its future growth prospects.
“Aena is a trusted partner with deep operational expertise, and we are very pleased to be strengthening our relationship as the airport transitions into its next chapter. We look forward to collaborating on the continued development of Leeds Bradford Airport for the benefit of passengers, airlines and the wider region.”
The Chairman and CEO of Aena, Maurici Lucena, described the move as "an important step in Aena's commitment to markets with great potential such as the United Kingdom, where we already have a long experience with 51% of Luton airport, in London.
“In addition, with this operation, we strengthen the alliance with InfraBridge as a long-term strategic partner in the United Kingdom and put at the service of the territory served by Leeds Bradford Airport our experience in airport management of all categories.”
Share