Airport firm acquisition sees change at Birmingham Airport

Menzies Aviation has acquired de-icing Airline Services, giving it a presence at Birmingham Airport for the first time.

£35m-turnover Airline Services provides de-icing and aircraft presentation services to over 60 airlines at 12 UK airports, together with ground handling operations at London Gatwick.

The acquired trade and assets takes will take Menzies into four new UK airport locations – Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham and Exeter.

Forsyth Black, managing director of Menzies Aviation said: “This is a significant addition to our UK business and is line with our strategy to offer the deepest portfolio of products to our airline customers.

“The deal strengthens our market position in the UK, extends our product offering and takes us into new airports where we can now offer the full suite of Menzies services and continue to grow our business.”

Established for more than 30 years, Airline Services operates in 12 UK airports to over 60 airlines, together with ground handling operations at London Gatwick.

As part of the deal, Menzies Aviation will take on 900 new employees including Nigel Daniel, managing director of Airline Services, who will take up a leadership position on Menzies’ regional team.

Andy Lord, Menzies Aviation’s Executive Vice President – EMEA, said: “This acquisition has sound strategic logic and is a significant addition to our UK service offering.

“Adding Airline Services to our existing network gives us the opportunity to share facilities and expertise which will enable us to become even more competitive, I am also excited to be taking the Menzies brand and suite of services into 4 new airport locations.

“The Menzies Aviation team are eager to bring excellence, from touchdown to takeoff, to our newly expanded customer base.”