Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced on 20th January 2021 that Vincent Hodder has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Hodder, most recently CEO of IAG’s low-cost brand, LEVEL, will take over the position on 1st February from current CEO Hywel Rees. Rees will leave his role after a transition period.
Vincent Hodder
Hodder’s focus will be on developing passenger experience, short term recovery from the global pandemic and the longer-term vision for the airport, including the transformational terminal replacement planning application.
Hodder said:
“Our success at delivering excellence in customer service will be crucial in giving passengers the confidence to travel and to choose LBA, as well as in attracting new airlines that operate the most modern and efficient aircraft. I’m looking forward to leading the business as we face the short-term challenges of COVID and towards a sustainable long-term future, working collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders across the region, while continuing to progress the terminal replacement scheme through planning.”
Hodder has been in the industry for more than 20 years. His experience spans organisations including Flybe, Jetstar Airways and VivaAerobus. As a consultant and an operator, Vincent has worked across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Australasia and across all different models of airline from regional and low cost to long haul and network operations.
Andy Clarke, Chairman of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:
“As we look ahead to a post-COVID world, we remain fundamentally committed to improving customer experience, continuing to develop the airport to deliver a wider economic impact in the region and ensuring a sustainable future for LBA.
“I’m delighted to welcome Vincent into the role. His experience at low-cost players and network players, across business and leisure travel, brings a varied perspective as we seek to develop new relationships with airlines that share our vision for a responsible and efficient future, ensuring that we are ready for the return of demand in travel when the time is right.
Clarke continued his comment: “Hywel has been instrumental in developing the longer-term vision for LBA and has helped the airport to navigate through a challenging year for the aviation sector. I know Vincent shares my aspirations for the future of LBA and I’m excited to see how he will shape this.”
LBA’s plans for a replacement terminal, submitted to Leeds City Council in May, propose the construction of a modern, three floor, 34,000m2 building on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary. If approved, the new state-of-the-art terminal building, designed by leading architects, would deliver a passenger experience beyond what is achievable in the existing terminal, built in 1965 and which has a legacy of several piecemeal extensions over the course of its 55-year history.
If approved, the development will protect and create new, high-skilled jobs, supporting 12,650 permanent positions, and increase the airport’s contribution to the region’s economy from £377 million (2019) to £869 million.
Credit: Leeds Bradford Airport
