Airport chief is stepping down

Paul Kehoe has decided to step down on July 12 to concentrate on other commitments in the West Midlands

He has led a substantial transformation of the airport since he joined the business in October 2008, with passenger numbers having grown from 9.5 million a year to 12m in 2016-2017.

Mr Kehoe has been increasingly involved in successfully promoting the West Midlands region as chairman of Marketing Birmingham, president of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and in a new capacity as chairman of the West Midlands Growth Company.

With the recently formed combined authority and the appointment of a West Midlands Mayor, by stepping down he will be able to focus on his regional commitments.

“It has been a privilege to serve the people of the West Midlands by leading their airport at this exceptional time. I planned originally to stay only for five years, but the challenge became so exciting that I stayed for another four.

" In every role there is a natural business cycle, and after delivering significant airline and passenger growth, completing all the major development projects which resulted in a doubling of the profit, generating significant dividends for shareholders and the region, I feel it is time for the next generation to take the business forward," said Mr Kehoe.

Since his appointment, key achievements have included expanding the network of air routes from and the number of airlines operating at Birmingham, including daily services to Delhi with Air India, A380 services to Dubai with Emirates, and the introduction of 18 new airlines including Qatar Airways, Jet2 and the return of British Airways.

Developments which have significantly improved the airport have included a new international pier, extension of the runway to facilitate new long haul services, creation of a single terminal and centralised security area, construction of a new air traffic control tower and the establishment of a major engineering facility within the Monarch Airlines Engineering Hangar.

John Hudson, chairman of Birmingham Airport, said “On behalf of the board, I would like to express our grateful thanks to Paul for the tremendous contribution he has made to Birmingham Airport during the last nine years.

"Under his leadership, the airport has built relationships with new carriers, grown passenger numbers to more than 12m, and delivered significant economic value to the region. His connections with the local community set Paul apart as a true industry leader. He leaves with our strong support and the highest admiration for his commitment to Birmingham Airport and the West Midlands.”

Under Mr Kehoe's leadership the airport has won a number of awards including World’s Most Punctual Airport in 2016, Star Airport of the Year Award 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the 2017 Routes Europe Award for Marketing for 4-20m passengers airports.