Cardiff Airport sold
The Welsh government has bought Cardiff Airport from Spanish owner TBI for £52 million.
Announcing the purchase, the First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "Cardiff Airport is a vital gateway to Wales for business, tourists and general travellers alike.
"It is essential that its future is secured and that we develop high quality sustainable services."
Jones has been critical of the airport after a slump in passenger numbers from a peak of two million in 2007 to just over one million in 2012.
He said it was vital for the number of passengers to be increased.
Jones said the airport would be managed "at arm’s length" from the government on a commercial basis.
"Over time, I expect to see a return to the public purse on the investment," he said.
A chief executive has yet to be announced but Lord Rowe-Beddoe has agreed to serve as chairman, he added. In the longer term, the government will look at bringing in a commercial operator to run the airport.
Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, said: "The airport is a major piece of economic infra-structure for Wales. I look forward to working in partnership with the workforce at the airport as we develop a high quality service for passengers and create a facility of which Wales can be proud."
The airport’s existing staff will remain.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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