Regional and City Airports announces new Commercial Director Steve Lilley

The operator of UK regional airports Bournemouth, Exeter and Norwich has created this new role as it gears up for expansion, with Lilley moving from the position of Aviation Development Director.

Apr 11, 2025 - 15:01

Regional and City Airports announces new Commercial Director Steve Lilley

UK. Regional and City Airports (RCA), operator of UK regional airports including Bournemouth Airport, Exeter Airport and Norwich Airport, has appointed Steve Lilley to the newly created role of Commercial Director. The position underlines the airport company’s aim for retail and F&B revenue growth.

Lilley has over 25 years’ experience in the aviation industry, with a strong background in network planning, airline relations, commercial strategy and aviation development.

His career includes roles with former British Airways low-cost airline Go, easyJet and Flybe.

**Steve Lilley’s appointment to the newly created Commercial Director role signals an increased focus on retail and food & beverage at the airports under Regional and City Airports’ wing**

Since joining RCA in 2014 as Aviation Development Director, Lilley has played a key role in driving passenger growth at the three aforementioned airports, securing key airline partnerships and expanding the route network.

Recent highlights include attracting Jet2 to Bournemouth with 16 new routes launching this season; KLM to Exeter with the start of a new daily service to Amsterdam last month; and Ryanair to Norwich Airport for the first time.

Lilley joins the RCA Executive Team, with responsibility for all commercial activity across RCA’s airports, including aviation development, car parking, terminal concessions, other non-aeronautical income streams, and marketing.

RCA CEO Andrew Bell said, “Steve’s deep industry knowledge and commercial expertise have been instrumental in RCA’s success. His appointment as Commercial Director is a natural next step, and I have no doubt he will continue to drive growth and innovation across our airports as we look forward to a busy summer ahead.”

**Bournemouth Airport is a key focus for** Regional and City Airports investment. Passengers exceeded 1 million there last year, but the number is expected to grow significantly as new airlines take slots at the airport. {Image: Moodie Davitt Shutterstock Account}

Lilley commented, “I’m delighted to take on this role at such an exciting time for RCA. With new airline partnerships and growing passenger numbers across our airports, we have a fantastic opportunity to expand our services and achieve even greater success.

“I look forward to working with the team, our airline partners and stakeholders to drive our commercial strategy forward.”

RCA is currently investing some £60 million (US$78.48 million) in a major infrastructure expansion project at Bournemouth Airport, preparing for the arrival of Jet2 and Jet2holidays this season with two aircraft, and a third planned for 2026.

TUI aircraft will start service in May, adding an extra annual 80,000 seats capacity to the expanding airport.

In addition to owning and operating Bournemouth, Exeter and Norwich airports, RCA holds a management contract for Solent Airport and owns XLR Executive Jet Centres at Birmingham, Bournemouth, Exeter and Liverpool.

It recently announced a strategic partnership between XLR and Saxon Air at Norwich Airport to enhance corporate aviation services.

RCA is part of Rigby Group plc, a top ten wholly owned UK family business with a consolidated turnover of £3.7 billion (US$4.84 billion) and 9,000 employees.