Edinburgh airport named best of its size

Published on 22/06/2012 14:52

Scotland’s busiest airport has been voted the best in Europe in its size for the second year in a row.

Edinburgh airport was named “Best European airport: 5m - 10m passengers” at the eighth Annual Airports Council International awards in Madrid last night.

The airport, which changed hands this month in a £807.2 million deal, was given the award for its focus on its customer base and the responses to the feedback that they provide.

Edinburgh held off competition from Cologne, Birmingham, Luton, Nice, Marseille and Milan to hold on to the title.

Chief executive Jim O’Sullivan, said: “This is an outstanding achievement.

“To win the prestigious award for the second consecutive year is impressive enough, but to do so whilst having the challenge of being sold is truly amazing.

“The team at Edinburgh airport is dedicated, focused and deserving of this accolade. We will keep working hard to deliver what our passengers want - great service and a diverse range of routes.

“That’s what’s at the core of this and last year’s success.”

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) took ownership of the capital airport on June 1 after buying it from BAA in an arrangement announced in April.

BAA was forced to sell it after the Competition Commission ruled that it must sell either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport.

GIP is an independent infrastructure fund manager. It took over London City in 2006 and then bought Gatwick from BAA for £1.51 billion in 2009.

Gordon Dewar, a former managing director of the airport, has been appointed chief executive and will rejoin Edinburgh in the summer when he ends his current role as chief executive of Bahrain international airport.