Opening the gate to regional airports
In the UK, a joint venture has been formed between the gategroup and the handling arm of Eastern Airways.

The agreement, signed in June, sees gategroup acquire a majority stake in Regional Handling, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eastern Airways. The new joint venture, which will be known as Regional Handling, will initially operate in two locations that are main bases for Eastern Airways, namely Aberdeen and the Isle of Man.

“This is a natural area of growth for gategroup, and in particular for member company Gate Aviation, which already offers an extensive network of airline specialty services in the UK and Europe,” says Guy Dubois, President and CEO Designate of gategroup. “We are delighted to join with a company that also enjoys a stellar reputation for quality service,” he added.

“Eastern Airways has been searching for a suitable strategic partner in the ground handling and catering operation, which will allow us to focus on our core business of passenger transportation,” revealed Richard Lake, Eastern Airways’ Managing Director. “In gategroup, with its history of service in the UK and Europe, we have a perfect choice.”

The joint venture will offer comprehensive services in the so-called “last mile to the aircraft.” Thus ground handling (including passenger check-in, baggage handling, load control and ground operations), catering and other support services will all be supplied. Apart from Eastern, Regional Handling also serves Manx2, Loganair and Aer Arran.