145 jobs secure after airport deal (From Daily Echo)

Aviance and Flybe deal secures 145 jobs at Southampton Airport

7:10am Wednesday 28th October 2009 in News By Gareth Lewis, Business Editor

A DEAL securing 145 jobs at Southampton Airport has been sealed between ground handling firm Aviance and airline Flybe.

Due to Flybe’s domination of the services at Southampton, landing a three-year extension to its existing agreement, was key to Aviance staying.

Aviance, an international airport services giant operating at 126 airports worldwide, described the deal as “vital” to “securing its position”.

The contract renewal at Southampton is part of a multi-location deal across the UK worth in the region of £18m.

Aviance and Flybe have been working together at Southampton for six years, with Aviance providing everything from passenger check-in to aeroplane de-icing services.

Gay Roberts, Aviance station manager at Southampton Airport said: “Flybe accounts for the majority of our business at the airport so there was a lot resting on this decision. It’s excellent news for our staff and a testament to their hard work and commitment to deliver a high standard of service to Flybe, as well as our other customer airlines.

“We will now continue to work closely with Flybe on the future development of its product and look forward to building on this partnership over the next three years.”