AGS Airports has confirmed the appointment of Amy Smith as Operations Director at Southampton Airport
Reporting directly to AGS’ Chief Operating Officer, Ronald Leitch, Amy officially stepped into her new role last month.
Before joining AGS, Amy was part of Cornwall Airport Newquay for 11 years where she played an instrumental role in the airport’s development during a significant period of change. Most recently, she served as Interim Managing Director, leading the business through an important transition period.
Commenting on her appointment, Amy said: “This is an important time for Southampton Airport, and it is a privilege to lead the team as we prepare for what will be the largest capital investment programme in the airport’s history. I look forward to strengthening and enhancing the airport’s connectivity and seeing what we can achieve together.”
Amy takes over as Southampton’s newest route to Paris Charles de Gaulle prepares to take flight at the end of October. This will be operated by EasyJet on Thursdays and Sundays
Her appointment also follows Southampton’s commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, which was assembled near where the current terminal building stands. The world-famous aircraft took to the skies for its inaugural flight on March 5, 1936. As part of the celebrations two significant plaques were unveiled within the terminal, recognising both the global importance of the Spitfire and the people of Southampton who brought it to life.
Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer at AGS, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Amy to Southampton Airport at a pivotal moment in its development. Amy made a significant impact during her time at Cornwall Airport Newquay and joins AGS as we move forward with AGS Reimagined and Southampton’s terminal transformation programme. I look forward to working with Amy as we enhance the passenger experience and support the airport’s future growth.”
AGS Airports was acquired by AviAlliance, one of the world’s leading private airport operators, in January last year, which then subsequently announced plans to invest £350 million in the future growth and decarbonisation of the business over the course of the next five years.
This represents the single largest capital investment in AGS since its formation in 2014.
The programme has since had a major development with one of the world’s leading professional services firms WSP being appointed as its design partners for the next stage.
The long-term project and vision to create modern, sustainable, and passenger-centred airports will see Southampton’s terminal facilities upgraded and improvements made to its airfield infrastructure, all while accelerating AGS’ ambition to achieve net zero direct emissions by 2035.
These improvements are all at the heart of AGS Reimagined.
