Cardiff Airport CEO steps down

Cardiff Airport’s chief executive Jon Horne will leave the role in September after helping the airport to turnaround in recent months.

Horne joined the airport in April 2013 after the government bought the airport and set out plans to reinvigorate its operation.

This has since led to several new routes including the recent addition of flights from CityJet and Ryanair.

Horne will leave the role on 1 September when current operations director Debra Barber will become interim managing director.

Lord Rowe-Beddoe, chairman of Cardiff International Airport Ltd, said: “Jon has very successfully steered the airport through the first phase of our path to re-establishing its fortunes. This includes halting the decline in passenger numbers, establishing good and improving customer service and overseeing the physical transformation of the terminal as well as securing CityJet and the return of Ryanair to the airport.

Horne will continue to work with the airport as an advisor to the board.

Horne said: “There is still much work to be done, but I have agreed with the chairman that a new perspective will be beneficial for the next stage of development and as such I have concluded my executive involvement.”

Barber will take on the role having joined Cardiff Airport in May 2012, following more than 17 years with the Royal Air Force handling air traffic.

Barber said: “Our priority is to return the business to its previous level of success and beyond, focusing on increasing passenger numbers and enhancing the number of destinations on offer. We want the people of Wales to be proud of their airport and for them, along with visitors to our country, to have a wonderful experience when using it.”