LEEDS-BRADFORD Airport (LBA) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Vincent Hodder, who has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, takes over as CEO at LBA, in Yeadon, from Monday, February 1.

The incoming CEO has worked for a variety of organisations, in every continent of the world (other than Antarctica).

This includes time with Flybe, Jetstar Airways and VivaAerobus.

He has worked as a consultant and an operator across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and Australasia and across all different models of airline, from regional and low-cost, to long haul and network operations

Mr Hodder is looking forward to taking the airport out of the coronavirus pandemic and attracting new airlines to LBA.

He said: "Our success at delivering excellence in customer service will be crucial in giving passengers the confidence to travel and to choose LBA, as well as in attracting new airlines that operate the most modern and efficient aircraft.

"I’m looking forward to leading the business as we face the short-term challenges of COVID and towards a sustainable long-term future, working collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders across the region, while continuing to progress the terminal replacement scheme through planning."

Current CEO, Hywel Rees, will leave his role after a transition period.

Andy Clarke, Chairman of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "As we look ahead to a post-Covid world, we remain fundamentally committed to improving customer experience, continuing to develop the airport to deliver a wider economic impact in the region and ensuring a sustainable future for LBA.

"I’m delighted to welcome Vincent into the role.

"His experience at low-cost players and network players, across business and leisure travel, brings a varied perspective as we seek to develop new relationships with airlines that share our vision for a responsible and efficient future, ensuring that we are ready for the return of demand in travel when the time is right.

"Hywel has been instrumental in developing the longer-term vision for LBA and has helped the airport to navigate through a challenging year for the aviation sector.

"I know Vincent shares my aspirations for the future of LBA and I’m excited to see how he will shape this."

During his tenure, Mr Rees has initiated the transformational planning application for the development of a replacement terminal to support future demand for the airport.

But it has not been without its detractors.

Residents, campaigners and the Bradford Green Party have all criticised and questioned the plans for the new terminal over the past year or so.

LBA submitted a proposal to Leeds City Council in May 2020.

The plans are for the construction of a modern, three flour, 34,000 square metre building on an alternative site within the airport's boundary.

It would replace the current terminal, which was built in 1965 and has a legacy of several piecemeal extensions over the course of its 55-year history.

LBA states that, if the development was to be approved, it would protect and create new, high-skilled jobs, supporting 12,650 permanent positions.

The airport also estimates that the new terminal would increase LBA's contribution to the region's economy from £377 million in 2019 to £869 million.

Mr Rees has also overseen a number of enhancements to the existing operation to improve customer service, during his time in charge.