COVENTRY
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coventry
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Press Release now issued by Patriot Aerospace:-
Sir Peter Rigby's aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, has acquired Coventry Airport.
The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs.
It dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations. The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
"I'm truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. Not only is this acquisition the next logical step in the development of Patriot Aerospace as a leading General Aviation player, but it is also essential in supporting the local economy and future of the region. I am proud to play a part in ensuring the region has access to first class flying facilities, for many years to come," said Sir Peter Rigby.
A vocal champion for the region, Sir Peter early recognised Coventry Airport's potential and synergies with his own businesses, and he has worked proactively with Coventry City Council, the airport's tenants and customers to create this opportunity for a sustainable future.
Cllr Ken Taylor, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: "This is excellent news for Coventry and the sub region. We are an ambitious city with so many plans for growth and regeneration and having a successful airport is an integral part of those plans.
"The development of the airport will provide a massive economic boost across the city and the region. I'm delighted we have been able to work with Sir Peter Rigby's Patriot Aerospace to secure the long term future of the airport.
"Sir Peter is a great champion for the Midlands and we are looking forward to working closely together over the coming years."
Sir Peter added: "Coventry Airport is located in the centre of the country and we'll maintain a full air traffic service and capability to continue handling a wide range of GA traffic, including business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters. I would like to think that in the future I can also bring in some scheduled flights.
"The airport sector and aviation in general have had a difficult few years, however, I expect it will pick up in line with an overall economic recovery and the region will be better positioned to benefit from this with a well managed local airport," Sir Peter added.
Most of the existing tenants, whose businesses have been under threat of closure since last December, can now look forward to a brighter future. "We will work hard to attract both flyers and suppliers to base themselves at Coventry, sustaining and creating new employment opportunities." said Sir Peter.
The airport purchase is the third of a series of acquisitions made by Patriot in the past year. In July 2009, the group acquired Heliflight (UK) Limited, one of the UK's foremost helicopter charter and flight training organisations, based at Gloucester and Wolverhampton. While December 2009 saw the acquisition of a long established helicopter charter and engineering specialist, London Helicopter Centres, based at Redhill, and Eniskillen, Northern Ireland. Patriot also holds the strategically important Cessna and Schweizer distributorships for the UK and Northern Ireland.
Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the West Midlands region where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and is joint venturing with the Royal Shakespeare Company to re-open Stratford-Upon Avon's Arden hotel, later this year.
Sir Peter Rigby's aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, has acquired Coventry Airport.
The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs.
It dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations. The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
"I'm truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. Not only is this acquisition the next logical step in the development of Patriot Aerospace as a leading General Aviation player, but it is also essential in supporting the local economy and future of the region. I am proud to play a part in ensuring the region has access to first class flying facilities, for many years to come," said Sir Peter Rigby.
A vocal champion for the region, Sir Peter early recognised Coventry Airport's potential and synergies with his own businesses, and he has worked proactively with Coventry City Council, the airport's tenants and customers to create this opportunity for a sustainable future.
Cllr Ken Taylor, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: "This is excellent news for Coventry and the sub region. We are an ambitious city with so many plans for growth and regeneration and having a successful airport is an integral part of those plans.
"The development of the airport will provide a massive economic boost across the city and the region. I'm delighted we have been able to work with Sir Peter Rigby's Patriot Aerospace to secure the long term future of the airport.
"Sir Peter is a great champion for the Midlands and we are looking forward to working closely together over the coming years."
Sir Peter added: "Coventry Airport is located in the centre of the country and we'll maintain a full air traffic service and capability to continue handling a wide range of GA traffic, including business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters. I would like to think that in the future I can also bring in some scheduled flights.
"The airport sector and aviation in general have had a difficult few years, however, I expect it will pick up in line with an overall economic recovery and the region will be better positioned to benefit from this with a well managed local airport," Sir Peter added.
Most of the existing tenants, whose businesses have been under threat of closure since last December, can now look forward to a brighter future. "We will work hard to attract both flyers and suppliers to base themselves at Coventry, sustaining and creating new employment opportunities." said Sir Peter.
The airport purchase is the third of a series of acquisitions made by Patriot in the past year. In July 2009, the group acquired Heliflight (UK) Limited, one of the UK's foremost helicopter charter and flight training organisations, based at Gloucester and Wolverhampton. While December 2009 saw the acquisition of a long established helicopter charter and engineering specialist, London Helicopter Centres, based at Redhill, and Eniskillen, Northern Ireland. Patriot also holds the strategically important Cessna and Schweizer distributorships for the UK and Northern Ireland.
Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the West Midlands region where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and is joint venturing with the Royal Shakespeare Company to re-open Stratford-Upon Avon's Arden hotel, later this year.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
call 100
'Play to the strengths and not the weaknesses?'
In a Coventry Telegraph article Sir Peter is quoted as saying .....
"The Midlands is not well connected with many European cities and clearly in Coventry people enjoy low-cost flights to holiday destinations. I would like to think that in the future I could bring in some scheduled flights."
"I will be setting up a marketing team who will be promoting the airport and also isolating (sic) suitable airlines."
I'd love to see the small print on the contract he's signed.
'Play to the strengths and not the weaknesses?'
In a Coventry Telegraph article Sir Peter is quoted as saying .....
"The Midlands is not well connected with many European cities and clearly in Coventry people enjoy low-cost flights to holiday destinations. I would like to think that in the future I could bring in some scheduled flights."
"I will be setting up a marketing team who will be promoting the airport and also isolating (sic) suitable airlines."
I'd love to see the small print on the contract he's signed.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tracey Island
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alve.
I learnt a long time ago in aviation, what is said in the papers at the launch of a new ownership or service that the press releases only fill with possibles, may be's and hopes. I can did out literally hundreds of them. Few end up as they wanted to at outset.
Once they have pulled it up off it's knees and slapped a bit of realism about the place then in the future (at least 2 years IMO) they and aviation may be in a position to provide some specialist LoCo ops. At the moment though the business strengths will be, as I've always said, BA, GA, and Cargo.
I notice there was no mention of any development plans around the airport.....
I hope that their are also plans to improve surface access to the airport. a must for a successful passenger operation.
I learnt a long time ago in aviation, what is said in the papers at the launch of a new ownership or service that the press releases only fill with possibles, may be's and hopes. I can did out literally hundreds of them. Few end up as they wanted to at outset.
Once they have pulled it up off it's knees and slapped a bit of realism about the place then in the future (at least 2 years IMO) they and aviation may be in a position to provide some specialist LoCo ops. At the moment though the business strengths will be, as I've always said, BA, GA, and Cargo.
I notice there was no mention of any development plans around the airport.....
I hope that their are also plans to improve surface access to the airport. a must for a successful passenger operation.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coventry
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On BBC local radio this morning (who are obsessed with passenger operations) Sir Peter talked about general aviation, business aviation and freight as what he expects in the near future but didn't rule out passenger services later. He also talked about developing facilities for aviation and high tech businesses around the airport site subject to planning permission. And he talked about importing some of his other businesses.
An interview with Bertie McKay, Chair of Warwick DC Planning Committee was interesting. He said that Sir Peter was someone they could work with, he supported what Sir Peter planned to do. He gave every impression that if Sir Peter "played the game", he would be likely to get the permissions he needs at least for the business premises developments.
BBC local radio are currently talking about the plans for the airport being in jeopardy due to the CAA but all the CAA are saying is that the airport will need appropriate fire cover and ATC for the types of aircraft using the airport - which is not a massive surprise!
An interview with Bertie McKay, Chair of Warwick DC Planning Committee was interesting. He said that Sir Peter was someone they could work with, he supported what Sir Peter planned to do. He gave every impression that if Sir Peter "played the game", he would be likely to get the permissions he needs at least for the business premises developments.
BBC local radio are currently talking about the plans for the airport being in jeopardy due to the CAA but all the CAA are saying is that the airport will need appropriate fire cover and ATC for the types of aircraft using the airport - which is not a massive surprise!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Coventry
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Real support
This has been a bumpy ride for all of us that have kept the faith - of all the bidders who came forward the airport has ended up in the best place. I think Patriot and Sir P have impeccable credentials and look forward to seeing their talents come to bear on CVT. I am encouraged to read WDC's cautious approval of the new regime and I hope, sincerely that they, too, play the game. I think any talk of passenger flights is inflammatory to that process as there is still a fundamental lack of support from WDC for that kind of operation. For the BBC to major on it shows their desire to make the media hill a hard one to climb for the new operators. Whilst I think 'not ruling out' is the proper option for answering questions about pax flights, 'not ruling in' scotches the story and the BBC a whole lot quicker.
Good luck to us all.
Good luck to us all.
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fantastic news! I wish Sir P the best in building on the airport and hope that alot of the staff will be able to be reinstated. Another rocky road navigated which can now be put in Coventry's history.
Shame to all those who were hoping it would stay shut, i suggest you go berate some other airport thread... or take a running jump across a very large canyon.
Shame to all those who were hoping it would stay shut, i suggest you go berate some other airport thread... or take a running jump across a very large canyon.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Coventry
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very good news.
Sir PR needs to get a consignment of Papal souvenirs - some of those Benedict Condoms, statues of the blessed virgin, a few lorry loads of Highland Spring blessed by the local catholic priest... He'll make his money back on a day!
Sir PR needs to get a consignment of Papal souvenirs - some of those Benedict Condoms, statues of the blessed virgin, a few lorry loads of Highland Spring blessed by the local catholic priest... He'll make his money back on a day!
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coventry
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any guess as to when it could actually open again?
- Re-open with fire cover, fuel and Air Ground service quite soon, perhaps two or three weeks??
- Regain Aerodrome license
- Regain ANSP (Air Traffic service licence) - could be as much as three months.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Warwick
Age: 42
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I read in one of the pilot rags this weekend that one of the now decommissioned Nimrods is due at CVT later this month.
Is this all still going ahead, and does anyone have dates / times its expected at CVT - would be a sight to watch!
Is this all still going ahead, and does anyone have dates / times its expected at CVT - would be a sight to watch!
Sir PR needs to get a consignment of Papal souvenirs - some of those Benedict Condoms, statues of the blessed virgin, a few lorry loads of Highland Spring blessed by the local catholic priest... He'll make his money back on a day!
He also talked about developing facilities for aviation and high tech businesses around the airport site subject to planning permission.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Not close enough to my aircraft !
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sir Peter's manifesto !! ......He's lost the plot !!
Well I just heard in the Oak at lunchtime that air / ground will start shortly to be followed by ATC in few months. The BAD news is that the new charges have also been apparently announced and generally it will be a SEP £25 and £35 Twins per landing !! NAV fees will be ON TOP Of that !!I presume these will all be + Vat ?
You will have to have an annual car park permit (£150-£200) to use ANY of the car parks otherwise a PAY and display will be in force with clampers acting on North, South and West car parks and you will need a card (which you naturally will have to pay for) to open the barriers to the car parks. (Should get hold of the Oak quickly to reserve a parking space - free with "two for a tenner menu")?!
Hangarage £30 per night
!and parking FOC for 2 hours and then £15 for 24hrs.
Guy said opening hours 8am-6pm or 8pm if traffic needs allow.NO operations out of hours unless you pay £400 YES FOUR HUNDERD QUID !!
Anybody want the phone number for Wellesbourne,Sywell or Leicester........the mans lost the plot before before he starts. This will completely drive away the GA community AND any clubs left here or intending to stay there I am sure.As for cargo flights, those opening times are really helpful...........NOT
You will have to have an annual car park permit (£150-£200) to use ANY of the car parks otherwise a PAY and display will be in force with clampers acting on North, South and West car parks and you will need a card (which you naturally will have to pay for) to open the barriers to the car parks. (Should get hold of the Oak quickly to reserve a parking space - free with "two for a tenner menu")?!
Hangarage £30 per night
!and parking FOC for 2 hours and then £15 for 24hrs.Guy said opening hours 8am-6pm or 8pm if traffic needs allow.NO operations out of hours unless you pay £400 YES FOUR HUNDERD QUID !!
Anybody want the phone number for Wellesbourne,Sywell or Leicester........the mans lost the plot before before he starts. This will completely drive away the GA community AND any clubs left here or intending to stay there I am sure.As for cargo flights, those opening times are really helpful...........NOT
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: somewhere hot
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
£400 per hour out of hours
NAV3 you obviously have't requested out ohf hours at any of the HIAL airports!!
you can at least double that if not triple it! so 400quid ain't that bad ! maybe its you who needs a reality check
but that said at least SIr P had the 'you know whats' to put his money up front and get the Airport up and hopefully running again.
you can at least double that if not triple it! so 400quid ain't that bad ! maybe its you who needs a reality check
but that said at least SIr P had the 'you know whats' to put his money up front and get the Airport up and hopefully running again.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: London
Age: 55
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"However as I said previously, for many of the tenants there it may not be as good as they had before, unsurprising as he will not wish to withstand the losses that previous owners have had to suffer."
Looking that way now isn't it?
Maybe Nav3 could ask for charitable aid? Pretty sure that Sir Peter isn't going to run the airport as a charity for you though.
Looking that way now isn't it?
Maybe Nav3 could ask for charitable aid? Pretty sure that Sir Peter isn't going to run the airport as a charity for you though.