Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Birmingham Airport appoints Nick Barton as Chief Executive

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport appoints Nick Barton as Chief Executive

Birmingham Airport has today announced the appointment of Nick Barton as Chief Executive, taking up his new post on 7th January 2019.

Nick (right) was most recently, from 2014 until December 2018, Chief Executive of London Luton Airport.

Nick is joining Birmingham Airport at an exciting time in its history following the recent announcement of its ambitious draft Master Plan covering the next 15 years. He will be implementing, with the team, a £500m programme to upgrade and expand the capacity of its terminal operations, aircraft stands and support facilities, substantially enhancing the customer experience. This will support further sustainable growth from its current 13 million passengers a year to an expected 18 million passengers over the life of the plan.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Nick has a long track record as a successful leader with extensive experience in the Airports sector. In addition to his four years at Luton, he was part of the senior management team at London Stansted for eight years, latterly as Managing Director, as well as holding previous executive roles at BAA Plc. In his career he has 27 years’ experience of managing and leading infrastructure and property operations.

Nick Barton commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Birmingham Airport to deliver the Board’s vision and strategy for this critical piece of national and regionally significant transport infrastructure. Birmingham Airport is on the threshold of a very exciting chapter in its development and I am delighted to have been given the responsibility to lead and shape the future of the Airport.”

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Tim Clarke, the Chairman of Birmingham Airport, commented: “We have carried out an extensive search of the aviation sector for a new Chief Executive. The Board is delighted to have secured such a proven and experienced individual to execute our ambitious vision for the development of the Airport. His record in generating strong growth brings the quality of leadership needed to fully realise the potential of this vital asset for the West Midlands economy and the region as a whole.

“I would also like to thank Simon Richards, Chief Financial Officer, who has acted as Managing Director over the last year, and the Executive team, for the excellent progress that has been made in developing the draft Master Plan for the Airport’s expansion and for achieving strong improvements in customer service and operational effectiveness.”
 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
UK hydrogen airport trial sets out roadmap for further studies

Aerospace

UK hydrogen airport trial sets out roadmap for further studies

18 February 2026

A new report into the UK’s first airside trial of multiple hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) has confirmed that hydrogen can be safely and effectively integrated into airport ground operations, whilst setting out a series of essential next steps needed to accelerate hydrogen adoption and decarbonisation across the aviation sector.

Kent collaborates on Pre-FEED study for Eq.flight SAF demo plant

Aerospace

Kent collaborates on Pre-FEED study for Eq.flight SAF demo plant

18 February 2026

Integrated energy services partner, Kent, has collaborated with Equilibrion during a successful bid for funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) and with that funding for Equilibrion and its partners, Kent is delivering the Pre-Front-End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) for Eq.flight, an advanced power-to-liquids ...

TEKEVER launches UAS Training School at West Wales Airport

Aerospace

TEKEVER launches UAS Training School at West Wales Airport

18 February 2026

Today, provider of AI-centred uncrewed aerial systems, TEKEVER, has announced the official opening of its new Training School at West Wales Airport.

UK

Aerospace

UK's January air traffic soars into 2026

17 February 2026

January’s UK air traffic increased by 1,725 flights in 2026 versus the previous year, equivalent to a 1% uptick in flights flying in UK airspace.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Responsive Engineering unveils apprentice-built Welding Academy

Aerospace

Responsive Engineering unveils apprentice-built Welding Academy

17 February 2026

Responsive Engineering, the daughter company of Pearson Engineering, marked National Apprenticeship Week with the unveiling of its new Welding Academy, a unique training space built almost entirely by its apprentices using repurposed and recycled materials.

UK pioneers 3D printing of aircraft parts using recycled titanium

Aerospace Defence

UK pioneers 3D printing of aircraft parts using recycled titanium

17 February 2026

QinetiQ, in partnership with Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited (AMS Ltd.), has completed the maiden flight of an aircraft containing a 3D printed structural component, made from recycled titanium.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner