Regional and City Airports, the operator of Bournemouth, Exeter and Norwich airports, has appointed a new commercial director.
Steve Lilley joined RCA in 2014 as aviation development director and has been responsible for driving passenger growth as well as securing airline partnerships and expanding the route network.
He was involved in attracting Jet2 to Bournemouth with 16 new routes; KLM to Exeter with the start of a new daily service to Amsterdam; and bringing Ryanair to Norwich Airport for the first time last year.
He has also previously held roles with former British Airways' low-cost airline Go, as well as easyJet and Flybe.
In his new role, he will join the executive team and take on responsibility for all commercial activity across RCA’s airports, including aviation development, car parking, terminal concessions, other non-aeronautical income streams and marketing.
Andrew Bell, chief executive of RCA, said: "Steve’s deep industry knowledge and commercial expertise have been instrumental in RCA’s success. His appointment as commercial director is a natural next step, and I have no doubt he will continue to drive growth and innovation across our airports as we look forward to a busy summer ahead."
Mr Lilley added: "I’m delighted to take on this role at such an exciting time for RCA. With new airline partnerships and growing passenger numbers across our airports, we have a fantastic opportunity to expand our services and achieve even greater success. I look forward to working with the team, our airline partners, and stakeholders to drive our commercial strategy forward."
RCA is currently investing some £60m in a major infrastructure expansion at Bournemouth Airport with the arrival of Jet2 and Jet2holidays this season with two aircraft, and a third planned next year.
RCA, part of Rigby Group, holds a management contract for Solent Airport and owns XLR Executive Jet Centres at Birmingham, Bournemouth, Exeter, and Liverpool. It recently announced a strategic partnership between XLR and Saxon Air at Norwich Airport to enhance corporate aviation services.
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