The Manchester Airports Group (abbreviated MAG) is a holding company owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester, in North West England. Following the purchase of airport group BAA (owner and operator of seven UK airports) by Spanish Grupo Ferrovial in 2006, MAG is now the largest UK-owned airport group.
Manchester Airports Group was formed in 2001 to own and operate Manchester Airport and the other smaller acquisitions. Prior to that the Manchester Airport Board operated Manchester Airport from 1986, when the Greater Manchester County Council was disbanded. Since its spin-off, MAG has branched out into other ventures. In addition to Manchester Airport, it owns and operates Bournemouth Airport, East Midlands Airport, and the small Humberside Airport. The Group handles over 28 million combined passengers a year from its four airports and generates approximately £3.2 billion for the economy of the United Kingdom, whilst supporting, directly and indirectly, over 130,000 jobs. On 17 September 2008 the Group expressed interest in bidding for Gatwick Airport, in South East England.
Manchester Airports Group runs a number of airport service-related businesses including baggage handling and ground services, car parking, fire-fighting, airport security, engineering, motor transport services and advertising.
The property development and management business of MAG is undertaken under the MADL brand (Manchester Airport Developments Ltd). The MADL remit extends across Manchester Airports Group's four airports. MAG has announced a review of their ownership of Humberside Airport, and are examining options including disposal of their interest.
Manchester Airports Group is wholly owned by the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester, with a majority share (55%) owned by Manchester City Council; the other 9 local authorities own 5% each.
Shareholding details as follows: