28 April 2010
Following months of discussion, rumour and negotiation, FLYER can exclusively reveal that Patriot Aerospace has acquired Coventry Airport.
A statement from Patriot, which is part of Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, explained, “The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs.
“It dovetails with the Group’s extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations. The deal firmly establishes Patriot’s status as a leading and fast-growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
Sir Peter added, “I’m truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. Not only is this acquisition the next logical step in the development of Patriot Aerospace as a leading General Aviation player, but it is also essential in supporting the local economy and future of the region. I am proud to play a part in ensuring the region has access to first class flying facilities, for many years to come.”
Cllr Ken Taylor, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “This is excellent news for Coventry and the sub region. We are an ambitious city with so many plans for growth and regeneration and having a successful airport is an integral part of those plans.
“The development of the airport will provide a massive economic boost across the city and the region. I’m delighted we have been able to work with Sir Peter Rigby’s Patriot Aerospace to secure the long term future of the airport.
Sir Peter added: “Coventry Airport is located in the centre of the country and we’ll maintain a full air traffic service and capability to continue handling a wide range of GA traffic, including business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters. I would like to think that in the future I can also bring in some scheduled flights.
“The airport sector and aviation in general have had a difficult few years, however, I expect it will pick up in line with an overall economic recovery and the region will be better positioned to benefit from this with a well managed local airport,” Sir Peter added.
Most of the existing tenants, whose businesses have been under threat of closure since last December, can now look forward to a brighter future. “We will work hard to attract both flyers and suppliers to base themselves at Coventry, sustaining and creating new employment opportunities.” said Sir Peter.
The airport purchase is the third of a series of acquisitions made by Patriot in the past year. In July 2009, the group acquired Heliflight (UK) Limited, one of the UK’s foremost helicopter charter and flight training organisations, based at Gloucester and Wolverhampton. While December 2009 saw the acquisition of a long established helicopter charter and engineering specialist, London Helicopter Centres, based at Redhill, and Eniskillen, Northern Ireland. Patriot also holds the Cessna and Schweizer distributorships for the UK and Northern Ireland.
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