Prior to her new role, Karen Taylor was a driving force for establishing funding for airport improvements

Karen Taylor has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Gloucestershire Airport Ltd.

The airport has recently been awarded funding for runway improvements as well as other critical developments, which Taylor was instrumental in securing. This will help boost the airport’s status and will drive further expansion.

Within the local economy, the airport plays a key role by being an important gateway for regional organisations and acting as a base for a variety of businesses. These include engineering, aerospace, charter flights, training and leisure trips.

Situated a short distance away from the cyber development at Golden Valley and Gloucester’s digital campus (The Forum), the airfield aims to help drive the county’s economic ambitions.

“Gloucestershire Airport is a unique and important asset for the county,” said Taylor. “I firmly believe we have a strong foundation to develop the airport into a ‘gateway for growth’ for the many significant developments being brought forward across the region; a destination of choice providing connectivity to and from national and international destinations; and a centre of excellence for all aspects of business aviation, aviation training and other related activity.”

Previously, Taylor worked as the interim Managing Director and Commercial Finance Director, proving her ability to play a central role of developing a long-term vision for the airport.

Taylor also believes that development of airport services and infrastructure will “encourage individuals and businesses from across the region to realise the value of having a regional airport they can use for business and leisure right on their doorstep.”

According to the airport, its vision includes the growth of sustainable businesses as well embarking on a programme of activity that is set to create 1,520 new jobs and initiate further airport construction.

One of the newest innovations that has been put forward is the CGX Connect business park development, which is currently waiting for approval from Tewkesbury Borough Council.

The airport also plans to identify and deliver projects that use alternative clean energy supplies and green technologies, as well as promoting associated aviation related environmental research and growth.