Bournemouth Airport owner hails ground handling move a success

Bournemouth Airport’s decision to take over ground handling services from an external operator has been hailed a success.

The airport, owned and operated by Regional & City Airports (RCA), now provides its own handling services including passenger, ramp, aircraft cleaning, dispatch and de-icing.

Around 60 full-time posts were transferred from the previous licence holder; no jobs were lost.

Stephen Gill, Bournemouth Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We took the strategic decision to insource ground handling as we continue to grow and invest in our portfolio of services, as is the case at other RCA airports.

“We have worked closely with our employees and airline customers throughout the transition and are pleased with the efficiencies we are seeing.”

The transfer reflects a strategic approach to management and best practice across RCA, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc which acquired Bournemouth Airport two years ago in December 2017.