Gloucestershire airport in the UK has appointed Karen Taylor as managing director. The airport plays a role in supporting the local economy, both as a travel gateway for many organisations across the region, and as a base for a range of businesses, including engineering, aerospace, plus charter flights, flight training and pleasure flights.

The strategic location of the airfield is also key to help drive the county's economic development ambitions and is placed near to the cyber development at Golden Valley and Gloucester's digital campus, The Forum.

Taylor has already established and proven her leadership at the airport in the roles of interim managing director and commercial finance director, which have seen develop the long term vision for the airport. She has been instrumental in securing funding for runway improvement works and other critical capital improvements that will boost the airport's status as a 'gateway for growth' and will be key to driving its development.

She says: “Gloucestershire airport is a unique and important asset for the county. I firmly believe we have a strong foundation to develop the airport into a 'gateway for growth' for the many significant developments being brought forward across the region. It's a destination of choice providing connectivity to and from national and international destinations; and a centre of excellence for all aspects of business aviation, aviation training and other related activity.”

The airport is embarking on a programme of activity that will create around 1,520 new jobs and enable airport improvements. This includes the new CGX Connect business park development, which has been submitted for planning consent to Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Taylor continues: “Business growth at the airport means more choice and better services for existing airport users and will encourage individuals and businesses from across the region to realise the value of having a regional airport they can use for business and leisure right on their doorstep.”

The new development will also support the airport to identify and deliver projects embracing alternative clean energy supplies and green technologies to help reduce carbon footprint, while also underpinning a long-term commitment to attract and promote associated aviation related environmental research and development.