Airport back in business again

One of Britain’s longest established civil airports, Coventry closed last December with the financial failure of the former operating company, it has since been purchased by Patriot Aviation, head by Sir Peter Rigby.

Sir Rigby has now been licensed once more by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and now the airport has returned to normal.

Steve Bridgewater, the commercial manager of Air Atlantique Class Flight which is a long term resident at the airport, said: “The news that the CAA had approved all the work put in by Patriot Aviation really is greatly welcome.

“With our Airbase Festival of Flight now open to the general public we can offer pleasure flights over the City of Coventry and the surrounding countryside.

“It is a small beginning for the airport, but an important one, and very significant.

“Coventry Airport has been important for local trade and industry since 1936. We for one will be co-operating all we can with Patriot and Sir Peter.”

Air Atlantique’s Airbase operation has now become a new attraction for the local tourist industry as it features operational aircraft from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.

Last week they began to offer flights in one of their de Havilland Rapide biplane aircraft which does a 30-minute trip over the West Midlands enabling passengers to view Warwick Castle and Leamington from the air.

The trips cost £75 and are bookable on the day.