Press Release

11 August 2025

New Operator for Solent Airport Cleared for Take Off

Fareham Borough Council is pleased to confirm that EGHF Ltd has been awarded a contract as the new operator for Solent Airport at Daedalus.

The aviation landscape evolves rapidly and, as part of the Council’s responsibility as a public body and owners of Solent Airport, it must consider the feasibility of options such as in-house operation and even the sale of the airside operations. Procuring a new operator was the best option to not only ensure a return on the Council’s investment in the airport, but to continue delivering its vision for the site.

EGHF brings a wealth of experience, underpinned by deep industry knowledge and strong sector connections. It will work alongside the existing team at Solent Airport to continue to support the Council’s vision and play a strong role in attracting new employment and business opportunities to the site. 

Matt Wilkins, Director of EGHF, has successfully operated Old Buckenham Licensed Airfield in Norfolk since 2011, which has a similar heritage to Solent Airport Daedalus, both serving as bases during the Second World War. While preservation of the history at Norfolk was paramount, several innovations have been implemented. For example, Old Buckenham was the first aerodrome to advertise a price for electric aircraft charging alongside traditional aviation fuel and is home to the UK's first public electric aircraft charger, powered exclusively by solar. It's also home to the NUNCATS project - aiming to connect the developing world with electric SkyJeeps.

Matt has also worked with the UK Government and the Civil Aviation Authority on projects requiring his expertise and knowledge and is Team Manager of the World's only electric aircraft display team, NEBO Air Electric Arrows.

Preparations are now underway for the handover to EGHF. Its initial five-year contract will take effect from 1 April 2026, and it is anticipated will significantly improve the revenue position of the airport. There are options for the Council to extend the contract.

In addition, EGHF will work closely with the Council over the first year to assess the financial and operational feasibility of a range of potential future options. These include initiatives to further increase revenue, attract new tenants, support innovation, reduce the airport’s environmental impact and expand the number and variety of events held at this site, including non-aviation events.

Cllr Simon Martin, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: "I am delighted to welcome EGHF Ltd as the new operator for Solent Airport and have no doubt that its extensive experience in the field will reassure the existing team at the airport, and our tenants, of the Council’s commitment to Daedalus.  I very much look forward to seeing how plans unfold in the coming months.”

Matt Wilkins, Director of EGHF, added: “I'm extremely grateful to Fareham Borough Council for the opportunity to lead Solent Airport - one of the UK's most admired centres of general aviation. I'm greatly looking forward to working with the existing team at the airport to ensure that it is best equipped to not only preserve and enhance that well-deserved admiration, but also navigate further into the future of flight as technology advances.”

For more information about Solent Airport, go to: www.solentairport.co.uk

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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