News: Manchester airport owners keen to snap up Gatwick
Flights > News > # 1729 (19/03/2008)
The owners of Manchester airport want to buy Gatwick from BAA if the company is forced to dismantle its London monopoly.
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which is owned by the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester, would link up with private equity investors to get its hands on the UK’s second busiest airport.
The announcement comes after Virgin Atlantic, BMI, Ryanair and Easyjet joined forces last week to form an unprecedented alliance calling for the dismantlement of BAA.
BAA may opt to break up its operations before it is forced in an attempt to avoid a fire-sale of its assets. The Spanish-owned group currently controls London’s three biggest airports. MAG is the UK’s second-largest airports operator behind BAA. It owns East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside airports.
MAG chief executive, Geoff Muirhead, told the Manchester Evening News: “We have a strong track record when it comes to running airports. We have a lot of skilled people who have developed very good relationships with airlines and other partners.
“The group is interested in acquiring assets that will add value for our shareholders.”
The House of Commons Transport Committee has publicly stated that competition is being stifled by BAA's dominance. A group of MPs said increased competition would have huge benefits for both airlines and passengers.
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