The first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has today announced the govt has purchased Cardiff Airport for a complete investment of £52 million.
This follows a period of due diligence and negotiation with TBI, the airport’s previous owner.
Announcing the acquisition, the primary minister said: “Cardiff Airport is a crucial gateway to Wales for business, tourists and general travellers alike.
“It is important that its future is secured and that we develop tremendous sustainable services.
“The Airport is simply not operated by the Welsh government.
“It may be managed at arm’s length from government on a commercial basis and, over the years, I expect to determine a return to the general public purse at the investment.”
A chief executive of the airport is anticipated to be announced sooner or later.
Lord Rowe-Beddoe was lined as much as function chairman of the Airport Board for the time being.
First minister Jones had previously been critical of the airport after a slump in passenger numbers from a peak of 2 million in 2007 to only over 1000000 in 2012.
Edwina Hart, Welsh minister for economy, science and transport said: “The airport is a first-rate piece of business infra-structure for Wales.
“I watch for working in partnership with the workforce on the airport as we develop a top quality service for passengers and create a facility of which Wales may be proud.”
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew Davies earlier questioned the government’s decision to purchase the airport.
“Elsewhere in Wales neo-natal services are being cut since the local health board cannot find £4 million – is that this find out how to spend £52 million of taxpayers’ money” he asked.
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