Horizon Aero Group has been named as the company set to buy Gloucestershire Airport, and lead it into an exciting new chapter, unlocking opportunities for growth and investment.
The company is a joint venture between Vayu Aviation Services Ltd (UK) and Vensa Infrastructure Ltd (India).
Horizon, which boasts decades of combined experience in international aviation operations and infrastructure development describes itself as being committed to revitalising regional airports through innovation, sustainability, and community-led growth.
It says its key aims as the new owner would include, driving job creation and upskilling the local workforce, enhancing the airport’s role as a community and economic asset, modernising infrastructure with a focus on safety, efficiency, and digital innovation and aligning with the UK’s Net Zero targets.
Horizon impressed current owners, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council, with its ambitious plans to both modernise the airport and boost the local economy by expanding the site’s business parks. The airport which sits on a 375-acre site, has two thriving business parks and planning consent for an additional 30,000 square metres of business space.
Cheltenham Borough Council’s leader, Councillor Rowena Hay, as shareholder, had authority at Cheltenham, to make a final decision on the preferred bidder. Gloucester city councillors gave the go ahead to sell the airport to new buyers at a full council meeting on June 26.
Both councils decided to sell the airport to secure its future as it needs a large investment to be able to continue to operate and to drive its expansion.
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “The airport is a strategic asset for Gloucestershire. We’re encouraged by Horizon’s community-first and sustainability-focused approach. We want to reassure the public that any final deal will uphold the long-term aviation future of the airport and deliver clear benefits to the wider region.”
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Councillor Jeremy Hilton, said: “We were impressed by Horizon’s enthusiasm for the airport and their clear recognition of its potential to play an important role in the economic growth of the region. They share our vision of modernisation and building on it as a place to do business, in turn bringing huge benefits to the area.”
Jason Ivey, managing director of Gloucestershire Airport, said: “I have been really impressed with my interactions with the Horizon Aero Group during the sale process, as this is clearly a company that has the energy and a focussed vision for the future of Gloucestershire Airport. My team and I are excited to work alongside Horizon during the due diligence phase to assist the airport in transitioning to new ownership.”
Ramdev Polkampalli, chairman, Horizon Aero Group Ltd, said: “We are honoured to be selected as the preferred bidder. Gloucestershire Airport holds enormous promise, and we are committed to preserving its heritage while investing in its future. We look forward to working collaboratively with both councils, airport staff, and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth and transparent journey toward completion.”
Soma Pemmireddy, CEO, Horizon Aero Group Ltd, added: “Our priority is to build strong local relationships, maintain seamless operations, and begin laying the groundwork for future investment. We are excited to help unlock the airport’s full potential while aligning with the goals of the community and region.”
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Horizon will not be taking part in media interviews until it officially becomes the new owner of Gloucestershire Airport.
