Menzies Aviation buys flight support firm

Menzies said the deal would add three airports to its network and boost its position at Manchester

Menzies Aviation has added three new airports to its UK ground handling network after buying regional company Flight Support.

The John Menzies division said the move would add Aberdeen, Isle of Man and Guernsey airports to its portfolio.

Flight Support, which handles about 34,000 turnarounds a year, was bought from Airbase Holdings Limited for £4.75m in cash.

A further £500,000 will be payable over the next two years.

Edinburgh-based Menzies said the acquisition would also further strengthen its position at Manchester Airport and increase existing relationships with Flybe, easyJet, Loganair, Aer Arran.

The deal also brings new customers in CityJet and Blue Island.

In July, Menzies announced it was to end its cargo operations at Glasgow, Birmingham, East Midlands and Manchester airports by the end of August.

The company said it wanted to focus its UK cargo business on London Heathrow, as well as smaller operations in Aberdeen and Belfast.

The company said the move would return its cargo business to profitability.