Menu
08/09/2008
Airport Sale May Be Bad News For Residents
Months of intense speculation over the future of George Best Belfast City Airport have now ended with news at the weekend that it has been sold.
The Spanish Ferrovial Group, which has its headquarters in Madrid, which bought the airport for £35m in 2003 has now completed a deal to sell it to a new owner.
It went for £132.5m and was purchased by the ABN AMRO Global Infrastructure Fund.
With the sale, the vendors have more than trebled their money in five years.
However, local residents, already concerned over noise and pollution levels may lose out.
Earlier this year it emerged that plans for a controversial runway extension in east Belfast's already busy facility at the George Best Belfast City Airport could be crucial to attracting a buyer.
The new owner will want to proceed with an application to enlarge the existing runway as a matter of urgency.
An outline planning bid is already well advanced, despite opposition from residents.
They are concerned because while Belfast City Airport only began commercial operations in 1983, this year, the airport is likely to be used by about 2.7m passengers with a runway extension increasing these numbers significantly.
Completion of the sale is expected to take place towards the end of September 2008.
Robin Newton East Belfast DUP MLA and a member of the Assembly's Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee said the sale of the George Best City Airport in these difficult economic times is a vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland economy.
"I am pleased that the sale of the airport has been concluded and it is gratifying that a number of bidders were willing to consider the purchase of the business.
"This is a valuable business asset not only for the east of the city but is now a major factor in the economic well-being of Northern Ireland's economy.
The airport's business prospects look good for the future and many employees, and small firms that supply the services, will breathe a sigh of relief that the negotiations have been successfully concluded."
The Spanish Ferrovial Group, which has its headquarters in Madrid, which bought the airport for £35m in 2003 has now completed a deal to sell it to a new owner.
It went for £132.5m and was purchased by the ABN AMRO Global Infrastructure Fund.
With the sale, the vendors have more than trebled their money in five years.
However, local residents, already concerned over noise and pollution levels may lose out.
Earlier this year it emerged that plans for a controversial runway extension in east Belfast's already busy facility at the George Best Belfast City Airport could be crucial to attracting a buyer.
The new owner will want to proceed with an application to enlarge the existing runway as a matter of urgency.
An outline planning bid is already well advanced, despite opposition from residents.
They are concerned because while Belfast City Airport only began commercial operations in 1983, this year, the airport is likely to be used by about 2.7m passengers with a runway extension increasing these numbers significantly.
Completion of the sale is expected to take place towards the end of September 2008.
Robin Newton East Belfast DUP MLA and a member of the Assembly's Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee said the sale of the George Best City Airport in these difficult economic times is a vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland economy.
"I am pleased that the sale of the airport has been concluded and it is gratifying that a number of bidders were willing to consider the purchase of the business.
"This is a valuable business asset not only for the east of the city but is now a major factor in the economic well-being of Northern Ireland's economy.
The airport's business prospects look good for the future and many employees, and small firms that supply the services, will breathe a sigh of relief that the negotiations have been successfully concluded."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 April 2011
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
City Airport's Holiday Routes Opposed
Seven new routes to holiday destinations in continental Europe are to operate from George Best Belfast City Airport - thanks to boosted aircraft engines. Bmibaby will run services to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro, Ibiza, Amsterdam and Geneva.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
06 February 2003
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
bmi to concentrate services at Belfast City
bmi has announced that it is to discontinue its Heathrow service from Belfast International Airport (BIA) and concentrate resources in Belfast City Airport. However, bmi will maintain a presence at BAI as bmibaby will be including Belfast International as a destination to be served from a new UK base to be announced shortly.
05 October 2001
British Midland step in to serve Heathrow
British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.
British Midland step in to serve Heathrow
British Midland has announced that the airline will fly to London Heathrow from both Belfast City Airport and from Belfast International Airport.
15 May 2023
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
