9th November 2010

Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, today announced the appointment of Uday K Dholakia OBE as the airport’s brand ambassador for Asian Markets. Mr Dholakia is a senior partner with a Midlands-based consulting firm with over two decades experience of brand development and international marketing in addition to direct experience of route and cargo development and launching of new routes. Mr Kehoe, said, "we want to embrace the fact that we can connect people to over 400 different destinations worldwide and want people to feel proud and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. "

“Uday’s extensive knowledge of the Asian markets and route and cargo networks in the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent will be integral to tempt people away from the 'Heathrow problem' and think about closer airports. “There are around eight million people living within an hour’s drive of the airport but less than 40% of this demand uses Birmingham. We are determined to increase the links with the Indian subcontinent, as a truly global airport.”

Uday Dholakia, said, “I am delighted with the appointment and the opportunity of working with a professional team is exciting, with a clear aim of enhancing Birmingham Airport’s Global reputation by further enhancing its route and cargo links with the Asian markets.”