AER RIANTA, the Irish Airports company, has beaten National Express and Airport Group International to the chance of taking a substantial share in Birmingham International Airport. The leaders of the seven West Midland District Council shareholders of the airport, have agreed to begin detailed negotiations with Aer Rianta, which are expected to be concluded by the end of the year.
The councils will retain 49%, while Aer Rianta will take over 40%. The remaining 11% will be offered to other private investors.
The capital is needed to fund a £400 million development plan to meet a doubling of traffic from the present 5 million to more than 10 million passengers by 2005.
Source: Flight International