DURHAM Tees Valley Airport has announced the appointment of its new airport director.

The airport's owners, Peel Airports Limited, have handed the role to Steve Gill, who is currently Group Environment and Facilities Director for the company and will take charge of the airport from September 1.

As Airport Director, Mr Gill will be responsible for planning, directing and managing the day-to-day operations of both Durham Tees Valley and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, under the direction of the Peel Airports Chief Operating Officer with support from the wider Peel Airports team.

The company said Mr Gill had almost 30 years’ experience in the aviation industry and has extensive expertise in airport planning and management. "Steve knows Durham Tees Valley Airport well, having played a key role in the original majority acquisition of the Airport by Peel in 2003 and worked on many of the £30m improvements that have taken place at the airport since then," a spokesman said.

"During his career with Peel Airports, Steve has also held responsibility for a wide range of services including IT, property management, health and safety, corporate and social responsibility along with various outsourced service contracts.

"Steve joins Durham Tees Valley at an important time in the airport’s development and is under no illusions over the challenging times ahead, not just for the airport but the industry as a whole.

"He is, however, confident that the airport can capitalise on the tremendous support that it continues to receive both from the public and organisations across the region, despite what is currently a difficult time for the airport."

Mr Gill said: “Having been involved with the airport in other aspects of its development in recent years, I am now naturally delighted to be able to take the airport forward in this new capacity and to explore all opportunities as we try to develop the business here."