New chief executive flies in to the Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport has appointed David Laws as its new chief executive to succeed John Parkin who is retiring.

Laws was previously chief executive of Newcastle Airport for 10 years and has 39 years’ experience in the airport sector.

He began his career as a trainee fireman at Newcastle Airport in April 1979 and went onto become fire officer, subsequently becoming the airport’s safety advisor.

Laws held a number of roles in airport operations before becoming commercial director responsible for the development of the airline and retail business, and then chief executive.

He said: “My passion is for airport development and ensuring that the customer journey is a truly great experience. I am excited about joining Leeds Bradford Airport to further improve, expand and develop the business and look forward to working with the team at Leeds Bradford Airport and all those involved from the airlines, stakeholders and partners to develop the next phase of the airport’s growth.”

The airport now operates to over 70 destinations in 25 countries and has grown passenger numbers by 6% over the last 12 months to 3.7 million.

Parkin will continue as a non executive director.