Glos Airport MD steps down ahead of sale completing

The current managing director of Gloucestershire Airport, Jason Ivey, is leaving the role just as ownership of the airport is about to change.

In a statement, the two councils selling the public ownership of the airport, Gloucester and Cheltenham, said, “Jason Ivey will be stepping down in January for personal reasons. Jason has played a pivotal role in the airport’s development and says he is fully committed to supporting a smooth transition to Horizon Aero Group’s ownership.”

That statement suggests that due diligence of the sale to Horizon Aero Group is complete despite no announcements or details of the process being made public.

When FLYER enquired earlier this month, we were told the due diligence was “in the hands of lawyers”.

Jason Ivey said about his departure, “It has been a genuine privilege to lead Gloucestershire Airport, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time here.

“I believe the Horizon Aero Group is exceptionally well positioned to take the airport forward, developing it into a thriving aviation hub that will continue to serve and benefit the region for generations to come.

“Their Social Value Charter reflects a bold, responsible, and forward-thinking approach to growth, and I’m proud to support its implementation during the transition. I wish Horizon, and my successor, every success in the exciting journey ahead.”

The councils’ statement said Mr Ivey will remain actively involved in the handover period. The recruitment process for a new Managing Director will begin shortly.

Horizon sale a ‘done deal’?

The same council statement calls Horizon Aero Group ‘the incoming owner of Gloucestershire Airport’ and hailed what Horizon calls a ‘comprehensive Social Value Charter – a bold vision to transform the airport into a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive regional hub’.

Horizon Aero Group confirmed it is committed to safeguarding the airport’s long-term future through aviation-led growth, innovation, and sustainability.

“At the heart of this transformation is a deep-rooted commitment to delivering measurable social, economic, and environmental value for Gloucestershire and the wider region,” said Horizon.

Horizon Aero Group’s six core social value principles:

1. Skills and employment – Creating new training, apprenticeship, and career opportunities for local residents.
2. Regional growth – Supporting local businesses and positioning the airport as a hub for innovation.
3. Community and culture – Strengthening community ties and contributing Gloucestershire’s vibrant social fabric.
4. Health, safety and well-being – Ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.
5. Environmental stewardship – Advancing biodiversity and low-carbon operations.
6. Responsible procurement – Embedding ethical and sustainable practices across the supply chain.

Gloucestershire Airport tower

Horizon Aero Group also pledged a series of baseline commitments ‘to ensure immediate and lasting impact’:

• Transparency – A full review of jobs, suppliers, emissions, and accessibility in year one, with public reporting.
• Local engagement – Quarterly stakeholder forums to co-design social value priorities with councils, businesses, and communities.
• Responsible procurement – A full review and update of procurement policies and supplier standards.
• Early skills and jobs – Launch of an apprenticeship and internship programme within 12 months.
• Environmental action – 30% of electricity to be sourced from renewables by the end of year three.

“This is more than an investment in infrastructure – it’s an investment in people, place, and planet,” said Soma Pemmireddy CEO, Horizon Aero Group.

“We are committed to ensuring Gloucestershire Airport becomes a beacon of responsible growth, innovation, and community value.

“Through this Social Value Charter, Horizon Aero Group and GAL [the airport] pledge to embed social value into every aspect of the airport’s operations, procurement, and development. The framework will evolve in line with community needs and industry innovation, ensuring GAL’s growth is responsible, transparent, and sustainable.”

Gloucestershire Airport