The new man at the helm of Dundee Airport is looking forward to developments at the airport later this month when new services to Belfast City and Birmingham International airports take off.

Dundee-born Graeme Bell was recently appointed airport manager and has joined the business at an exciting time in its history. Loganair will start flights to Belfast and Birmingham on 21 May, under its new Flybe franchise.

Graeme said: “As a Dundonian I’m well acquainted with the airport and the important role it plays in the area. It’s an exciting time for the business transfer to HIAL last year and the new Loganair Flybe-branded routes launching on 21^st May.”

Graeme, 35, was educated at Harris Academy and then gained a BSc in Quantity Surveying at the University of Abertay. Before joining HIAL he was an HR Manager with Asda in the city, where he had previously worked in roles including profit improvement manager and customer care manager.

The opportunity to play a leading role in developing the airport was one of the key attractions in his new role.

“The airport is an important economic driver for the city and the surrounding region. HIAL wants to develop the business and it is great to be playing a part in that. There’s a great team at the airport and I’m enjoying working with the different disciplines involved, be it air traffic or fire service. It is also an opportunity for me to develop skills and knowledge in a new environment as HIAL provides a comprehensive training and mentoring programme for the operational aspects of the job,” said Graeme.

Alan Shaw, Director of Safety & Operations at HIAL said: “Airports are fundamentally a people business. We provide the infrastructure and specialist staff that enable flights to operate. Graeme’s previous commercial and people management experience will therefore be an asset to us in terms of developing the business at Dundee.”