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Blackpool Airport users may notice a few changes over the coming months, as it has been announced that construction firm Balfour Beatty has just bought it for £14 million.

The RCA (Regional and City Airports) section of the company acquired a 95% stake in the airport, which follows on from the group’s purchase of Exeter International Airport in January for the far heftier price tag of £60 million.

The remaining 5% stake will stay in the hands of Blackpool Borough Council. They have supported the sale from the beginning, and have already submitted a statement which makes their position clear, claiming that it is “absolutely great news” for Blackpool.

The leader of Blackpool Council, Peter Callow, said: “Balfour Beatty will be able to take (the airport) to an even higher level” than it has already reached in recent times, adding that it means “growth for the whole area and more jobs for local people”.

It is hoped that the vast resources that Balfour Beatty has to offer will help to expand upon the existing services of the airport, providing more flights, amenities and the capacity for more customers. By the end of the year, the airport is expected to see up to half a million passengers use its flights, and Balfour Beatty will be looking to increase this over time.

Ian Tyler, the chief executive of Balfour Beatty, stated: “Blackpool International is a well located airport, with the potential to become a thriving international gateway to Lancashire and Cumbria.”

According to the (CAA) Civil Aviation Authority, Blackpool has the strongest growth of all the airports in the South West, and this is one of the reasons why the company got involved in the takeover.