Advisors appointed to help develop Isle of Man Airport reforms

The airport is situated at Ronaldsway in the south of the island

Advisors have been appointed to the board of the Isle of Man's airport as part of plans to strengthen its financial standing.

The three consultants will serve as non-executive directors as part of ongoing moves to reduce the subsidy the airport needs.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said: "These appointments place the project on a firm footing."

Government funding for the flight hub is expected to reach £6.4m next year.

Mr Crookall said the trio would help explore how the airport could move to being operated at arm's length to reduce that amount.

It follows a report by the Department of Infrastructure earlier this year which outlined proposals to move the airport away from government control.

The new appointees - Christopher Holliday, Lorna Jack and John McGlynn - all have links to the aviation industry or other airport facilities in the UK.

'Specialist guidance'

Mr Crookall said: "I look forward to the new non-executive directors' considerable experience providing specialist guidance and scrutiny.

"The airport is key to the economic success of the Isle of Man, as well as to its social wellbeing, and these three individuals will help forge a commercially strong, reliable and resilient operation."

Last week Mr Crookall told the House of Keys moves to reform his department by relocating some services and functions was ongoing.

That included the possible relocation of the coastguard, port security, the local government unit, and minibus services were under consideration.

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