Business support for airport sale; GOING CONCERN: Chamber gets behind plans for a 'viable future'.

Byline: Jenny Waddington

BUSINESS leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have given their support to a bid to sell Coventry Airport as a going concern.

The local Chamber of Commerce met with airport executive director Brian Cox to hear about the proposed sale of the 385 acre site.

CAFCO (Coventry) Limited - a joint venture company involving property development group Howard Holdings and airport management specialist Convergence-AFCO Holdings - announced its plans to sell the airport last month.

Several parties have expressed an interest in acquiring the airport and the owners have engaged KPMG to advise on the sale.

But the Coventry branch of the Chamber underlined its support for a buoyant airport and offered to meet potential buyers to express the commercial goodwill it believes exists in the area.

Alan Durham, of the Chamber, said: "Our stance has been to support the controlled expansion of the airport over recent years.

"While it is obvious that the withdrawal of mainstream passenger carriers is a real blow to the owners, they are convinced that the airport has a viable fu- ture in different markets such as executive jets, freight and other activities such as training and flying schools.

"The airport supports and serves a great number of businesses around its fringes and its continued presence is vital for them. We have said that, if it helps, we will meet any potential buyers to underline how important we feel the airport is to the region and to emphasise our support.

"A few years ago - when the commercial world was a vastly different place - it looked as if Coventry could have had a future as a passenger terminal.

"While that may no longer be the case, we have to ensure the future of the airport remains on the business radar." Mr Cox said that no time limit on the sale had been set by the owners.

He said: "The owners just feel that the time is right for someone new to take the airport forward and they want to concentrate their activities in other areas.

"It is reassuring to know that the regional business community appreciates the economic value of the airport to the area."

CAPTION(S):

BACKING...Doug Squires, of Squires Engineering, with Louise Bennett,Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Peter Burns from the Chamber and Executive Director of Coventry Airport Brian Cox.