In a bid to attract investment to enable further growth, Humberside International Airport is to come under the control of Manchester International Airport later this month.

Chairman of Humberside International Airport Jim Mulgrove, centre, cuts the cake with Don Guest, board member, Chris Redford, commercial director, Dave Edmondson, operations director, Richard Jenner, managing director, Roger Billson and Janet Metcalfe, both board members

The deal involving an 82.6 per cent stake in Humberside Airport - which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary - is expected to be rubber stamped by the end of April. The sale process, which has taken nine months to conclude, attracted interest from nearly 40 companies.

Three of the four unitary authorities which own the airport - Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, and North-East Lincolnshire - have decided to sell their shares. Only North Lincolnshire Council voted to hold on to its 17.4 per cent stake.

During the past six years over £15 million has been invested in Humberside Airport, mostly through borrowing approved by the Government. Passenger figures are expected to top 400,000 this year.

Leeds Bradford International Airport shareholders are considering a partial disposal of their shareholdings to the private sector. A financial advisor will be appointed shortly to advise the five West Yorkshire Councils which hold shares.

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