Mark Johnston appointed Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport

Mark Johnston has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, returning to his home city to take up the role of leading Scotland’s busiest airport from 1st October.

Currently the Chief Operating Officer at London Gatwick Airport, Mark is well known across the aviation industry and was previously Managing Director of Glasgow Airport. He succeeds Gordon Dewar, who leaves after 14 years as Chief Executive.

During Gordon’s tenure, Edinburgh Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger numbers, airlines and routes, cementing its position as Scotland’s busiest and most connected airport.

Building on a legacy of strengthened connectivity and growth at Scotland’s busiest airport

Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, London Gatwick said: “It’s been a privilege to lead the operations teams at London Gatwick for two and a half years and deliver a world-class service to our passengers and airlines in a very challenging market. We have continued to innovate to further optimise what is already the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, enhancing operational performance and resilience.

“I’m incredibly proud to be appointed Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, an airport that means a great deal to me as someone born and raised in this fantastic city. It’s also an exciting time to be joining the airport as it embarks on the largest ever capital investment programme in its history. Its continued growth is a testament to the strength of the highly skilled team in place and whose reputation is recognised across the industry. I’m looking forward to working alongside them as we continue to grow, strengthen connectivity and play our part in supporting Scotland and the UK’s economy.

“I also want to pay tribute to Gordon Dewar, who leaves behind an exceptionally strong business and an airport that has gone from strength to strength under his leadership. He is someone I have always respected and admired and it’s a real privilege to be returning to my home city to build on that success at Scotland’s busiest airport.”

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick said: “Mark has amassed a wealth of technical and management experience in the airports sector over the past two decades. Thanks to this, he has played a critical leadership role at London Gatwick, focused on delivering a safe, efficient and smooth-running operation and successfully implementing key strategic projects such as the roll out of next generation security and a number of aerodrome and airfield performance enhancements. This includes becoming the first single runway airport in the world to implement intelligent arrivals spacing. We are very grateful for his contribution to London Gatwick and wish him every success in his new role.”

Why local knowledge is a key factor in the ongoing success of Edinburgh Airport

Gordon Dewar, departing Chief Executive said: “It’s a bittersweet moment because it brings my own time at Edinburgh Airport closer to an end but I’m absolutely delighted to see someone of Mark’s calibre appointed as my successor.

“I’ve known Mark for many years and he brings a wealth of aviation experience, strong leadership credentials and a deep understanding of Scotland’s aviation market. Just as importantly, he knows Edinburgh, understands the role this airport plays in the city’s success and recognises its international appeal.

“I have no doubt the airport will continue to thrive under his leadership and I look forward to watching its future success from afar and contribute regularly to its passenger numbers as a customer.”

Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for the UK, on behalf of Edinburgh Airport’s owners VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), said: “We are pleased to confirm Mark as the new Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport and to see him continue within the VINCI Airports and GIP network. He has led operations at London Gatwick with distinction and brings a wealth of aviation experience to Scotland’s busiest airport. Combined with the strength of the team in Edinburgh, he is well placed to build on the airport’s remarkable momentum and deliver the next phase of its growth.

“We also pay tribute to Gordon Dewar for his leadership and the tremendous success achieved during his tenure. We wish him every success for the future and look forward to welcoming him back as a passenger.”

Mark’s successor at London Gatwick will be announced in due course.