New airport boss is named

6:57pm Wednesday 5th September 2007

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The new chief executive of Leeds-Bradford Internation-al Airport has been unveiled.

Former head of Bristol and Newcastle airports, John Parkin, 52, has been appointed to the role from September 10.

The Yorkshireman will replace outgoing boss Ed Anderson who announced his intention to step down in May.

Mr Anderson made his announcement after the airport passed into private hands when it was sold to private equity firm Bridgepoint Capital in a £145.5 million deal.

Mr Parkin said: "LBIA is at an exciting point in its development with new routes and a major expansion of the terminal in the pipeline.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this process with the LBIA team and to begin to unlock the airport's full potential."

Since taking over, Bridgepoint has begun to implement a strategic plan.

It includes a £70 million plan to expand the terminal to cope with extra passengers.

Sir Graham Hall, chairman of LBIA and the man who headed up the Bridgepoint bid, said: "John Parkin has an outstanding track record of managing and expanding highly successful regional airports.

"Our airport plays a vital role in the economy of the region and with John's leadership, we will now move to an intensive phase of growth and development."