Exeter International Airport
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Exeter International Airport provides domestic and international routes to the population of South-West of England; in 2008 it handled c.1m passengers. The Airports stated objective is to become the Airport of choice for the South-West region based on the efficiency and quality of its operations. In 2008, the Airport was very proud voted number 4 amongst UK airports for customer satisfaction, number 1 in the South-West, by Which? magazine.
RCA acquired Exeter International from Devon County Council for £60m in January 2007, with a 40% shareholding subsequently sold to the Galaxy Fund post completion.
Whilst Devon County Council does not retain any shareholding in the Airport, RCA is committed to work in partnership to ensure the Airport’s development. Councillor Brian Greenslade, the then Leader of Devon County Council, commented on the transaction:
"The bid submitted by RCA was outstanding and we are confident that the future success of Exeter International Airport for the people of the county will be assured".
The Airport’s main scheduled operator is Flybe which is headquartered there. RCA has worked closely with Flybe since acquiring the Airport in seeking to promote it and develop the passenger base. RCA has also worked with Flybe to develop its other businesses such as its maintenance facility which is the largest regional aircraft maintenance facility in Europe. Both parties are currently working together to develop a training academy and hotel on site.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Flybe, commented at the time of acquisition:
"Flybe has worked closely with RCA since it was announced as Preferred Bidder to reach a long term agreement to secure Flybe’s headquarters, base maintenance and flying operations at Exeter. I am pleased to announce that this deal has now been reached and we look forward to working with RCA to grow Exeter International Airport sympathetically to meet the needs of the burgeoning South West of England economy."
