Peel Airports considers partners at Liverpool John Lennon Airport

The Peel Airports Group today confirmed they are in discussion with potential investors to become partners in the Group as it continues to invest in its Airports business.

Peel Airports, who own and operate three UK regional airports of Liverpool John Lennon, Doncaster Sheffield and Durham Tees Valley, also today announced a substantial terminal investment programme at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The new facilities are due to be completed in Autumn 2010. This will take the total investment from Peel into John Lennon Airport to over £150 million in 10 years.

Speaking on behalf of the Airport’s Group, Neil Pakey, Deputy CEO of Peel Airports said, “Liverpool is now one of the UK’s ‘major’ airports and has been less affected by the current aviation slowdown than most other airports. Peel has grown the Airport from 0.7 million passengers to 5.4 million passengers in just over 10 years and it is well positioned for continued development."

The proposed developments at JLA will see a number of improvements for passengers, including the creation of approximately 1,500 sq.m of additional retail space, several new shop units and a new passenger security search area, with new, latest generation passenger screening equipment, aimed at reducing queuing times during peak periods.

The contemplation of a partner follows a number of approaches and is consistent with Peel’s strategy of developing greenfield assets into attractive infrastructure investments.

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Notes for Editors:
Peel Airports was formed in 1997 following the acquisition of Liverpool Airport and the Airports division now comprises:
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has in recent years been one of Europe’s fastest growing regional airports carrying almost 5.5 million passengers in 2008 with flights to over 60 destinations.
Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield is the UK’s newest commercial airport opening for its first commercial flight on 28th April 2005. The Airport handled almost 1 million passengers in 2008, with flights to approximately 40 destinations.
Durham Tees Valley Airport, of which Peel has a 75% shareholding, with 25% owned by the local authority operates a mix of business and leisure flights with a throughput in 2008 of 670,000 passengers.
City Airport (Manchester) is a business and general aviation airfield located just 5 Miles from Manchester City Centre with easy access to this and the surrounding regions and attractions.