COVENTRY Airport is open for business and operational again following its acquisition by Sir Peter Rigby’s Patriot Aerospace, earlier this year.
The announcement signals a new era for the Airport, which is committed to job creation and income generation in the communities it serves.
Championing the vision of a vibrant commercial regional hub for general aviation, Patriot Aerospace will offer a range of aviation services – including leisure, business and freight – with passenger flights cited amongst the possibilities for future developments.
“I’m truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. With the groundwork done, we can now handle business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters, but this is just the beginning of what we would like to achieve,” said Patriot Aerospace chair, Sir Peter Rigby.
“Coventry is an airport with a big future. We intend to make it one of the crown jewels of the local area, providing economic growth and jobs in the community, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to develop the business.”
Under the new management team, Coventry Airport is now proactively investigating areas for expansion. With the return of scheduled flights to the site identified as a key potential source of growth, Patriot Aerospace is currently searching for viable airlines capable of offering passengers the right routes at the right prices, and also has plans to develop existing customers, suppliers and tenants.
“The owners have immense commercial experience and an excellent track record and we look forward to working closely with them.”
Cllr Linda Bigham, Coventry City Council Cabinet member for City Development, said: “This is excellent news and is evidence of Patriot Aerospace’s commitment to the future of Coventry Airport.
“It supports hundreds of jobs and its long-term development and viability is essential for the local economy.”I believe that a city like ours should have its own airport and a successful Coventry Airport provides an enormous opportunity to raise the profile of our city and sub-region.”
Louise Bennett, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber has been a long advocate of a vibrant airport in the city and this is extremely good news. The airport generates and supports hundreds of jobs and has far greater potential than has been realised in recent years.”
Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the Midlands where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham, while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and the newly re-opened Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is a joint venture with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
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Notes to Editor
About Coventry Airport and Patriot Aerospace
Coventry Airport was acquired by Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, in April 2010.
The deal firmly establishes Patriot’s status as a leading and fast growing general aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The acquisition of Coventry Airport dovetails with the group’s extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations.
Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres.
Through these brands, customers have access to a nationwide and end to end general aviation service, including learning to fly, buying or chartering; refurbishment, avionics, engineering and maintenance; and affordable access to VIP business and leisure helicopter charter. It operates from six air bases: Cranfield in Bedfordshire, Coventry, Enniskillen, Gloucester, Redhill in Surrey, and Wolverhampton.
For more information about the Group visit http://www.patriotaerospace.uk.com/
About Sir Peter Rigby
Sir Peter Rigby is a seasoned businessman and one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs with an international outlook and experience of working on a European and Global basis. He is a regional ambassador, vocal champion and major employer in the Midlands. He is also an experienced fixed wing and helicopter pilot.
A recognised leader in the field of I.T. with a 40-year career in the sector, he founded, owns and chairs one of the UK’s top ten largest privately-owned companies, the SCH group, which has its international business headquarters in the centre of Birmingham. The group employs some 7,000 professionals based in seven European countries with affiliated partnerships worldwide.
In addition to the Patriot Aviation Group, Sir Peter Rigby owns the Eden Collection hotel group, which includes Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and the newly re-opened Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is a joint venture with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Sir Peter’s charitable foundation was established some 15 years ago (The Rigby Foundation) and he is chair and patron or trustee of several major charities.
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