Security row airport boss retires

The money raised from fees is said to be spent on improving facilities

The managing director of an international airport caught up in a security row is to stand down 11 months before his official retirement date.

Richard Jenner is to leave his post as head of Norwich International Airport on 31 December 2008.

The current deputy managing director, Elliott Summers, will succeed him.

Mr Jenner introduced passenger charges to fund airport development and his tenure saw a lapse in security that let a BBC film crew into a restricted area.

Since April 2007 all passengers at Norwich Airport have been obliged to pay a £5 fee before boarding their aircraft and this money was intended to fund a five-year £18m development at the airport.

Challenging climate

In April 2007 a BBC film crew was able to get into a restricted part of the airport unchallenged causing a controversy about security standards at the airport.

A statement issued by Norwich Airport Limited on Friday indicated Mr Jenner was due to retire officially in November 2009 when he will be 65.

It said both parties had agreed it was important in the current financial and economic climate to put in place arrangements to provide longer term direction and leadership for the airport.

The airport's owners, Omniport Holdings, wanted to have the new managing director to take charge of the 2009/10 budgeting process and take full responsibility and accountability.

Mr Summers, the new managing director, said: "Although the economic climate is challenging, and in particular for the aviation sector, I embrace the opportunity of taking the airport forward."

Airport chairman Dr Godfrey Ainsworth, who is also chairman of Omniport Holdings, said: "During Richard's tenure passenger traffic at the airport has risen by around 40% and investment has exceeded £14m.

"He leaves the business in a strong position and I wish him well in the future."