Air Southwest names new Managing Director

Air Southwest has named Peter Davies as its new managing director. Peter has more than 27 years experience in aviation including chief executive of SN Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s national airline, where he managed a staff of more than 2,000 and a fleet of 38 aircraft.

Before that he held senior posts with DHL Express Systems in the UK, Belgium and North America for 12 years, and most recently was chief executive of Caribbean Airlines in the West Indies.

Peter, 59, who is married and has three sons, lives in Devon. He will join Plymouth-based Air Southwest on February 2.

Nigel Godefroy, chief executive of the Sutton Harbour Group, which owns and operates Air Southwest, said: “Peter brings a wealth of operational and senior management experience and will be a great asset to Air Southwest.

“He has a track record of anticipating and responding to market opportunities, delivering excellent customer service and adding shareholder value so we’re delighted to have someone of his calibre on board.”

Peter said: “In just five years, Air Southwest has established itself as the region’s own low-fare airline serving a range of year-round destinations from Plymouth and Newquay.

“The airline has built a tremendously strong following from customers, particularly in the South West, and I am looking forward to leading Air Southwest in continuing to develop products and services in response to customer needs.”

Air Southwest has year-round flights from Plymouth and Newquay to London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Cork, Dublin, Jersey and Bristol, plus a winter service to Grenoble. Fares start from £29 inclusive, with no hidden taxes or charges. Book on-line at airsouthwest.com.