Perhaps my post shouldn't be taken out of context FANS.
I'd say a pretty shrewd move for all concerned. Clearly a small airport with limited scope is not going to generate a sufficient return for the public sector shareholders. Those same shareholders voted in favour of the sale of Humberside Airport at that price. You can speculate all you want about why Manchester Airport bought Humberside back in 1999, but they subsequently got their second runway, and HUY was in profit for most of the 2000's..
I didn't know that the majority of funds invested in keeping the place operational for the 13 years was classed as part the purchase price..? I dont believe the councils recieved any money from the sale of HUY shares, as there was a negative net value when Manchester took over. Could be wrong? But thats my understanding.
I'm not sure how its comparative anyway, as MAG weren't even formed when HUY was purchased. Comparing apples with oranges.