THE new chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport has reassured passengers safety is paramount after the Manchester terror bombing and a bomb scare at the site itself.

David Laws, 59, has been installed as the new boss of the Yeadon site, taking over from John Parkin, who is retiring, but will continue as non-executive director.

Despite not wishing to comment specifically on the airport’s bomb scare last month, which shut the site, he said he would review the incident.

A number of flights had to be diverted as a precaution while the incident was investigated.

The airport was put on high alert and bomb disposal experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team at Catterick Garrison were called in to carry out a controlled explosion.

Mr Laws said: “In the first few days, I have been very, very impressed with the levels of security.

“The relationship we have is second to none.

“I will certainly pick up on the incident that happened here.

“When I worked at Newcastle, in my time, I had quite a simple rule; safety and security will never be compromised. I will bring that here too.”

Mr Laws will also oversee LBA’s development strategy for the next 13 years.

‘Route to 2030’ outlines the plans to grow and develop to carry a projected 7.1million passengers by 2030.

The masterplan supports a new road link around the airport between the A658 and A65 with a spur to the airport. It also supports an airport Parkway station on the Harrogate to Leeds railway line.

Mr Laws says he has also met with Bradford stakeholders, including Bradford Council officials and Naz Shah, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Bradford West.

Mr Laws added: “I was very encouraged by what they had to say.

“There is a great opportunity to take this airport to new levels.

“We have got to have good links with business.

“You also have to get the community and the public behind you. It’s about getting people on board.

“I want the people of Yorkshire to feel like it is their airport.

“I am excited about joining LBA to further improve, expand and develop the business and look forward to working with the team and all those involved from the airlines, stakeholders and partners to develop the next phase of the airport’s growth.”

Mr Laws was previously chief executive of Newcastle Airport for ten years and has 39 years’ experience in the airport sector.

He began his career as a trainee fireman at Newcastle Airport in 1979 and went on to become fire officer, the airport’s safety adviser and also its commercial director.

Meanwhile, he was a professional referee for two decades in the Football League, including officiating at Bradford City, until his retirement in 2003.

He said: “Things always went okay for me at Valley Parade.

“I have always had ties to Yorkshire.”