TUI takes control of Coventry airport

Thomson Holidays’ German parent TUI has agreed to acquire Coventry airport. The deal, for a sum thought to be £6.7 million, is designed to secure the launch of flights by the group’s start-up no-frills carrier Thomsonfly.com next month. By taking control of the West Midlands airport, TUI hopes to overcome planning concerns over a new terminal building to accommodate passengers for the new airline. Thomsonfly.com is due to start flying to 11 European destinations from Coventry on 31 March. The airline expects to carry 500,000 passengers in its first year. TUI said it was “confident that the facilities will be in place for that date”. A company statement said: “TUI recognises there have been issues to date and intends to give them immediate attention. TUI is committed to work closely with all local and regional stakeholders to ensure the airport is both sympathetic to local residents’ requirements and complies with all regulations.” TUI said the airport would be managed on its behalf by “a new team of specialists, all of whom have had experience of managing airports in the UK”. A company spokesman said: “An opportunity presented itself to take control of the airport which we have taken advantage of. It will mean that we are able to move things forward at the pace we need them to and ensure that Thomsonfly.com will be on schedule to start flying at the end of March.” Up until now the airport has mainly been used for freight transport flights. Report by Phil Davies