The managing director of Citywing says he is ‘quietly confident’ that the re-marketing and potential sale of Blackpool Airport will present the company with new opportunities, including the possibility of new routes.

Mr Buck was speaking after the airport’s owner, Balfour Beatty, announced plans to put the Squires Gate site, closed in October 2014, back on the market.

In 2015 Citywing relaunched its double-daily service between Blackpool and the Isle of Man.

Mr Buck said: ‘We re-instated the route in April last year, since when it has proved consistently successful. With this in mind I fully endorse the sentiments expressed in a statement from Balfour Beatty in the wake of its decision to put Blackpool Airport back on the market which said that since 2014 the airport had “operated profitably” and presented “an opportunity for a new owner to benefit from a financially stable and profitable airport”. The statement concluded: “Balfour Beatty is seeking a new owner who will take advantage of the significant opportunities that now exist, deliver strategic growth and develop the airport further”.

Mr Buck continued: ‘Citywing is of a size that can adapt swiftly to change and challenge. We’re looking at investing in new equipment to improve what is already a consistently well performing product and soon I shall be going to Blackpool to hold discussions about our requirements and aspirations for the future.

‘As with Balfour Beatty, Citywing sees a potential new era dawning for Blackpool Airport, strengthened by its status, since April this year, as an Enterprise Zone.

‘That status has the power to secure the future of the airport and unlock exciting development opportunities in which Citywing is looking forward to share.

‘It is against this background - and the year-round popularity of our Blackpool-Isle of Man service - that I am quietly confident that the re-marketing and potential sale of Blackpool Airport will lead to only positive outcomes for Citywing.’

Citywing provides flights twice daily between Blackpool and the Isle of Man with fares from as low as ?23.95 one way; also twice daily between Blackpool and Belfast City with fares starting at ?49.95 one way. For bookings and more information visit citywing.com.

- Ends -