In today's Express & Echo...
Exeter-based airline Flybe has put its weight behind two of the six bidders fighting it out to buy Exeter International Airport.In a last minute twist, Flybe has confirmed to the Echo that it is backing the bids of the Low Cost Airport Group and the South West Airport Group.
The 11th-hour move by the airline comes as Devon County Council selects a preferred bidder for the airport, which is said to be worth up to £60m.
Industry sources say Flybe's intervention has sparked concern that it could unduly influence the sell-off.
Flybe - one of the largest private sector employers in Devon - says it wants to safeguard jobs and regional prosperity.
A statement issued by the airline said: "As an organisation that employs over 800 staff in Exeter, Flybe has been instrumental in the growth and development of the airport and has driven tourism and economic growth. As such, Flybe has a vested interest in the sale.
"Flybe can confirm that it has preferences in an organisation that will provide a platform to facilitate economic benefit in the South West and will support the efforts of the Low Cost Airport Group and the South West Airport Group."
There has been speculation in recent days that the airline has held behind-the-scenes discussions with some of the bidders over future levels of landing charges. Any large increases by a new owner would hit the airline. Reacting to Flybe's comments, a source close to the bidding process said: "The concern is that undue influence may be exerted on those deciding which bidder should get preferred bidder status."
But Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said: "It is right that their views are given very serious consideration because they are such an important part in the future growth of Exeter and its airport."
The Low Cost Airport Group, formerly City Hopper, owns Blackpool and Wolverhampton airports.
South West Airport Group, believed to be South West Regional Airports Ltd, has bid for Exeter before and operates Coventry Airport.
Another contender is Balfour Beatty, with London City Airport.
Other bidders include Exeter Devon Airport Partnership, Italian airport operator Save and Phoenix Equity Partners.
The last attempt to sell the airport ended in tatters after the preferred bidder - a consortium made up of Macquarie Airports Group and infrastructure giant Ferrovial - pulled out.
Objections were raised over concerns that any deal could breach European Commission law on competition because the consortium already owned Bristol Airport. When the competition authorities became involved, the consortium withdrew.
A county council spokesman said: "Flybe's success is to be admired and Devon County Council wishes to ensure that for Flybe and the community Exeter remains a successful airport."