VIP visit to Southampton Airport
22 June 2009
The Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, has visited Southampton Airport as part of a tour of the region to get a first-hand impression of the local economy.
Accompanied by Chris Piper, the Bank's Agent and Andrew Holder, Deputy Agent, for Central Southern England, the group received a warm welcome from the Southampton Airport team, followed by a full behind-the-scenes tour by airport directors Guy Sutherland and Jan Halliday. The visit also included demonstrations of the latest airport innovations such as the UK’s first real-time travel information system, and our team of Airport Ambassadors equipped with i-Pod technology to proactively assist with passenger enquiries.
Guy Sutherland, Southampton Airport’s Commercial Director provided the Governor with key information of the airport’s role in the local economy. He said: “Over 1,200 local people work at Southampton Airport, making the airport the largest employer in Eastleigh, and one of the largest in the Hampshire region. The activities of the 30 companies based on the airport site results in an economic contribution of over £86 million every single year.”
Jan Halliday, Director of Marketing & Communications for Southampton Airport, added: “Mervyn King last visited Southampton Airport five years ago and was impressed by the developments that have taken place since then. There have been a number of improvements to ensure that passengers continue to experience an easy, fast and friendly journey through Southampton Airport.”
Image shows: Photo Left to Right:
Guy Sutherland, Commercial Director, Southampton Airport
Barbara Houghton, Airport Ambassador, Southampton Airport
Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England
Jan Halliday, Director of Marketing & Communications, Southampton Airport
Image copy right: Southampton Airport
For further information:
Contact:Jan Halliday, Director of Marketing & Communications, Southampton Airport
Debbie Chalk, Media & Public Affairs Co-ordinator, Southampton Airport
Telephone:023 8062 7141
