The number 3 business centre in the UK, the airport was acquired following a decision by five West Yorkshire councils to privatise the airport to ensure its continued expansion and improved service to its users.
Bridgepoint, already familiar with the sector through a prior investment in Birmingham airport, initiated a £30 million capital expenditure programme, including a terminal, road and parking infrastructure and airside configuration upgrade to allow for a significant increase in passenger volumes. Employee numbers grew from 200 to 460.
In 2012, the airport completed a £11 million upgrade to its terminal and introduced a range of new routes and airlines including British Airways, Monarch and Thomson.