Cardiff Airport appoints Spencer Birns as Commercial Director
This news follows Debra Barber having been confirmed as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. Roger Lewis, Chairman of Cardiff Airport said: “These announcements are a positive reflection of the hard work and success achieved by all of the team over the past year and ambition to do even better in years to come.
“We will be making further announcements over the coming weeks.”
Spencer (above) joined Cardiff Airport in 2006 to manage all airline and tour operator relationships, during which time he has played a vital role in the transformation of Wales’ national Airport, which in 2015 saw a 13% increase in passenger numbers. Prior to working at Cardiff he spent three years at Manchester Airport working on commercial aviation development activities and worked for nine years in various roles at the My Travel Group in tour operations.
He is a specialist in airline and tour operator relationships with the remit of promoting Wales on the global stage, most recently working with key airlines partners such as Flybe and Vueling on their growth at Cardiff. Additional responsibilities now include ensuring successful commercial operations including car parking and taxi services; food, beverage and retail outlets; car hire and the Executive Lounge. Spencer is also responsible for business analysis and marketing to ensure incumbent airlines are performing well within the market.
Debra Barber, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Cardiff Airport said: “Spencer’s depth of knowledge and understanding of the airline and tour operator business is second to none, and is a vital asset to us as we move forward on our journey. Airlines need to consider Wales and Cardiff Airport as a great opportunity for future air service expansion and with Spencer at the forefront we are in a very strong position.
“Additionally, of course, we must ensure we offer passengers an excellent experience as they journey through the Airport. I’m confident that with Spencer’s leadership in all these commercial areas that this can continue to improve and we’ll encourage customers to return time and time again.”
Spencer Birns, Commercial Director added: “It is an exciting time at the Airport as we focus on growing the business and improving the customer experience so I am delighted to be leading the commercial team as we move forward.”