Airport's future secure with deal

The airport is to be retained by the Manchester Airports Group

Humberside Airport is to stay under the ownership of the Manchester Airports Group after senior officials had considered selling off the venture.

The Manchester Airports Group (MAG) had been holding talks with a number of potential buyers, but changed their mind about selling the airport.

Officials cited "positive developments" at the airport and the economic climate for the change of heart.

North Lincolnshire Council said it was "very good news".

The airport group's chief executive Geoff Muirhead said during a company review it emerged that Humberside Airport was "a solid business".

He said: "In the last few months, Humberside Airport has attracted an increase in its heliport business, its KLM airline services continue to perform well, a new state-of-the-art perishables hub has opened and discussions are currently under way about further developments on site."

'Much-loved airport'

Mr Muirhead said the double prospect of an economic downturn and the beginnings of a recession in the UK had been an essential part of the decision not to sell Humberside Airport.

Councillor Mark Kirk, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, which owns the remaining shares in the airport, said: "This is very good news.

"I am delighted that MAG is to retain its majority share in the airport.

"It is a thriving and very much-loved local airport. Only recently we announced the new £1.6m perishables cold storage hub that opened last month. This is a huge investment."