Manchester Airport awards Thales technology contract

The Manchester Airports Group has awarded a technology contract to Thales UK, the electronics and systems giant, with a duration of three years plus an option for a two year extension.

Thales UK will provide the technology for the airport group’s airfield and aviation requirements. Its north-west hub is located in Cheadle Heath, Chesire, and employs 150 workers.

The services provided by Thales UK will cover not only Manchester Airports but also Bournemouth, Humberside and Nottingham East Midlands, which in all handle approximately 22 millions passengers annually, on flights to over 200 destinations.

The head of Thales UK’s air systems business, Steve Hill, commented on the news: “This contract reinforces our position in the regional airports market, enabling us to build on the good working relationships developed in the past with Manchester Airport.”

Network Rail is another of Thales UK’s transport-related customers that is served from the Cheshire location. Other customers serviced from the Cheadle Heath operation include British Energy and the Royal Navy. Around the country, Thales UK employs around 9,000 staff, who are based at over 50 sites. The company reported revenues in 2007 in excess of £1.2 billion.

www.manchesterairport.co.uk