 The council says it cannot afford the investment the airport needs |
Devon County Council has reassured staff and airlines based at Exeter Airport that it will have a future after it has been sold. The county council decided on Tuesday to sell most of its shares in the airport, because it cannot afford the investment needed to develop it.
It follows months of discussion and a consultant's report.
Council deputy leader Brian Greenslade said the authority wanted to ensure it remained as a local facility.
"We have taken the decision we will sell at least 75% of our shareholding, and we may sell more than that. "The county council would like to keep an interest in the airport because we do think it is an important public resource, but whether that is 25% of the shareholding remains to be seen."
Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said more than 30 companies were interested in buying the airport, including some local businesses.
He said it heralded a new beginning for travel to and from the region.
"This really is a great opportunity for the far South West to have a very big and prominent airport that's well marketed throughout the country and becomes an international destination as well."
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This really is a great opportunity for the far South West to have a very big and prominent airport that's well marketed throughout the country 
