Cardiff Airport has appointed Marc Watkins as its new aviation development manager.
The airport, which the Welsh Government acquired in 2013 for £52m, said that he brings 25 years of experience in the UK aviation sector.
Mr Watkins has previously worked in account management and route development roles for over 13 years at Birmingham and Coventry Airports.
As aviation development manager, he will be primarily building on Cardiff’s relationships with its existing airlines and aviation partners, along with seeking new business opportunities and growing the airport’s route network as a key priority.
Spencer Birns, chief executive of Cardiff Airport, said: “The aviation industry is going through unprecedented times due to COVID-19, but we are confident about air travel’s recovery throughout 2022 and beyond.
He added: “Marc’s wealth of expertise in commercial aviation will be a huge asset to the business, and he will play a vital role in rebuilding our route network as we recover from the pandemic.”
On the new appointment, Mr Watkins said he was feeling enthusiastic about leading on the airport’s route recovery.
“I am really looking forward to meeting with my existing airline and tour operator contacts, whilst building new relationships with industry colleagues at those carriers that will soon hopefully be flying into Wales’ capital city airport,” he said.
In addition to his time working at Birmingham and Coventry airports, Mr Watkins has run his own B2B communications company and was the editor for the aviation route development publication, anna.aero, for six years.
Mr Watkins gained a degree in transport management from Aston University in Birmingham, and also holds a master of science degree in air transport management from Cranfield University.
