Rigby Group buys Norwich airport

Norwich International Airport was bought from Omniport for "an undisclosed sum"

Technology, hotels and aviation company Rigby Group has bought Norwich International Airport.

The firm, which already owns and operates Coventry and Exeter Airports, announced that it had bought it from Omniport for "an undisclosed sum".

Formed in 1975, the Rigby Group is the parent company for a portfolio of privately owned businesses.

Its chairman and chief executive is Sir Peter Rigby.

The Rigby Group already owns Exeter Airport

The group comprises operating businesses in five key divisions - technology, aviation, property, hotels and investments.

Sir Peter said: "We have continually reiterated our belief in the importance of regional airports to local and regional communities and their economies.

"We are intent on developing our aviation business within the Rigby Group, and have made another significant acquisition here.

"I am delighted to welcome Norwich's staff to a workforce that now safeguards approximately 650 aviation jobs, and look forward to working with them as we plot out a secure, sustainable and positive future for the facility."

Norwich International Airport chief executive Andrew Bell said: "This is a significant and very positive day for the airport.

"As a highly respected and stable organisation, Rigby Group's involvement will enable us to build on the many achievements of recent years, safeguarding the future of the business and providing us with a platform from which to build an even more prosperous future for the airport itself and the region."