Roger Lewis has marked his first 100 days in office by setting out the goals and plans for the Welsh hub in 2016 and beyond.
The airport wich saw a 13% rise in passenger numbers in 2015 aims to build on that success with an additional 9% growth in 2016.
The key areas set out by Mr Lewis were that the airport will introducing new destinations including Cancun and Dubai with Thomas Cook and Thomson respectively along with introducing 31% more capacity, about 30,000 seats, with Spanish carrier Vueling.
They also want to build on the cruise industry to the Carribean.
Other key features mentioned were the improvments to the departure lounge including a new restaurant, coffee bar and duty free shop.
Mr Lewis also set out the plans for the next 5 years which include:
- Continuing the growth in passenger numbers
- Enhancing the passenger experience
- Offering more destinations, at competitive prices with greater frequency
- Improving the retail, food and beverage, and car parking facilities
- Understanding passengers better
- Using digital technology to transform our business
- Exploring all the opportunities which the Airport can offer its partners, including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), fuel, freight and aviation related training
- Reviewing with Government, Air Passenger Duty and its impact on our growth
- Building value in the Airport.
He also talked about the benfit of the airport to the Welsh economy including staff employment and the British Airways Maintanence centre including the fact that the British Airways Boeing 787 will be maintained at Cardiff.
On the subject of employee’s he said “Our future will be secured by supporting and investing in the people who work at Cardiff Airport and empowering them to fulfil their potential”