New Operations Director for Southampton Airport

Southampton Airport has confirmed the appointment of Gavin Williams as Operations Director.

Gavin will bring with him extensive industry experience having spent five years at Manchester Airports Group, where he held operational roles at East Midlands, London Stansted and Manchester airports.

Gavin will take up the post on February 26 replacing Mark Beveridge, who has acted as Interim Operations Director since September 2023. Mark will return to his role as Operations Director at Aberdeen International Airport.

Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports, which also owns Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: "We are delighted to welcome Gavin to our leadership team. His extensive knowledge and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our operational capabilities, ensuring that Southampton Airport remains a preferred choice for passengers and airlines alike.

“Following the completion of the runway extension last year and a number of subsequent route announcements at Southampton, Gavin joins the airport at an exciting time and I look forward to working with him.”

As Operations Director, Gavin Williams will lead all day-to-day activities at Southampton Airport.
His background in aviation operations management will be instrumental in ensuring the airport's continued growth.

Gavin said, "I am really looking forward to joining the AGS Airports team and building on Southampton Airport’s important role as a gateway for growth for the Central South region.

“The opportunity to lead the fantastic team at Southampton Airport and to help build on the current positive momentum following the completion of the runway extension is one I am relishing.

“It is a hugely exciting time and 2024 is shaping up to be a big year at the airport as we look to attract even more new routes and deliver further improvements to the customer experience.”

A number of new routes and service improvements have been announced following the completion of the 164-metre runway extension in August last year.

Airline partner easyJet launched services to Glasgow and Belfast International airports in October and November respectively.

The airline has also announced plans to operate three sun routes to Faro, Alicante and Palma this summer. Dutch carrier KLM also recently announced it would add a third daily service to Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s leading hubs.