An airport has signed a contract with Whiteley-based NATS to provide air traffic services for the next decade.

The deal, effective from 2025, follows a competitive tender process and will see all current air traffic controllers and engineers transition to Whiteley's NATS from Birmingham Airport after a year-long period.

The move comes as part of the airport's strategy to enhance its standing among European airports, with a target passenger capacity of 18 million by 2033.

To support this, Birmingham Airport is set to invest £300 million in upgrades to both terminals and airfields over the next decade.

Guy Adams, NATS Services managing director, said: "We are thrilled that Birmingham has chosen NATS. It’s testament to the hard work by teams right across the business to understand what the airport needs and to demonstrate the value NATS can add."

Andrew Holl, Birmingham Airport airfield operations director, said: "Our industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by rising traffic, advancing digitisation, and a heightened focus on sustainability.

"In this dynamic landscape, our partnership with NATS marks a key step forward for Birmingham Airport, opening up opportunities for modernising our services and accelerating our commitment to enhanced connectivity, innovation, and a greener future. We’re very excited to shape the future of aviation at BHX together with NATS."