AN AVIATION company has bought Brighton City Airport with the backing of a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK.

Cyrrus has purchased a 25-year lease on the airfield and the associated aviation operations of the airport- formerly known as Shoreham.

The historic aviation facility is the world’s oldest commercial airport and serves private flying, flight training and business and executive aircraft from asphalt and grass runways.

The new owners have already welcomed a new management team and in the near future will be introducing satellite-based approach procedures to aid landing in low-visibility conditions.

The business also plans to enhance the airport’s visitor offering, including improvements to facilities in the airport’s iconic 1930s art deco terminal building.

Cyrrus anticipates that it will increase aircraft movements over last year by circa 12 per cent in the next 12 months.