Belfast International Airport has appointed Graham Keddie as Managing Director, effective 1st September 2014. Graham joins from Hermes Airports where he was Executive Commercial Manager, responsible for all commercial revenue at Larnaca and Paphos airports in Cyprus. 
He has over 25 years’ experience across all sectors of the aviation industry in a variety of senior leadership positions around the world. Previously he was General Manager of Abu Dhabi Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Cargo Company, the sole providers of ground services and cargo handling at Abu Dhabi International airport, responsible for over 2,500 staff and over €100 million in revenue. Under his leadership, he established one of the leading ground handling and cargo operations in the MENA region in terms of service delivery, during a period of rapid growth at the airport. He has also served as Chief Executive of Bahrain Airport Services and Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Nigeria Airways.
From 2001 to 2005 Graham Keddie was Managing Director of Manchester Airport Group’s Regional Airports division, responsible for East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside Airports, during which time he oversaw the introduction of Go, BmiBaby, and Ryanair, revolutionising international travel from the region.
A qualified lawyer who began his career in the aviation industry with 12 years in the aviation division of the Swire Group, he succeeds John Doran, Managing Director of Belfast International Airport since 2006, who is stepping aside for health reasons.
Under John Doran’s leadership, the airport has grown notably through the expansion of existing airlines but also the introduction of new airline capabilities, as well as extensive redevelopment of the airport’s terminal building. Belfast International Airport now serves over 70 destinations and over four million passengers a year.
Sara Yamotahari, Chairman of Belfast International Airport, said: “I am delighted we have managed to attract someone of the calibre of Graham to lead us into the next phase of growth for the airport. He brings with him a long track record of achievement in all aspects of the aviation industry, deep sector knowledge and a proven leadership pedigree. I am confident that, under Graham, Belfast International Airport will continue to build on its reputation not just as the most technologically advanced airport in Ireland, but one with considerable scope for future growth and customer service improvements.
“On behalf of the Board and all members of staff, I would like to thank John for his outstanding contribution to Belfast International Airport in his time as Managing Director. He has overseen a genuine transformation of the airport since his appointment. John has demonstrated throughout his time at the airport to be a highly successful, diligent and capable Managing Director and he has all our best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
New Belfast – Katowice Route
Meanwhile, Wizz Air has announced a further route from Belfast International Airport to Katowice, Poland. The new route follows the announcement that Wizz Air is to recommence operations at Belfast International Airport with the launch of a service to Vilnius in Lithuania.
The Katowice service will operate twice weekly, Tuesday and Saturday, and will start on 31st March 2015.
