MAG has confirmed it will bid to operate Sofia Airport in Bulgaria.
The UK-based group already operates three major airports in the UK at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands, which together serve 60 million passengers per year.
The company’s ownership structure comprises a blend of both Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester local authorities and long-term private investors (IFM Investors).
MAG operates each of its airports as a unique entity, seeking an understanding of the aspirations and concerns of local residents, workers and economic partners.
The bid will be supported by Chinese construction giant BCEG, who are already working with MAG on the Airport City UK construction project in Manchester,
Charlie Cornish, MAG chief executive, said: “Airports bring the world closer together and act as significant economic catalysts for both the regional and national economies in which they operate, and we hope to be given the opportunity to deliver to the people of Bulgaria the world class global gateway that they deserve.
“We have already undertaken a considerable amount of work in relation to this opportunity and have a clear vision as to how we will deliver a passenger experience and global route network for Sofia Airport that is comparable to other top tier airports around the world.
“We want to deliver direct international connectivity to Bulgaria to stimulate tourism and economic growth.
MAG’s most recent acquisition was its purchase of London Stansted Airport in 2013.
In its five years of ownership, MAG has increased passenger numbers at London Stansted, the UK’s fourth largest airport by 40 per cent to 26 million passengers per year.
This year it will handle 28.5 million passengers.
Chris Grayling, secretary of state for transport in the United Kingdom, said: “MAG has invested heavily in its airports in the UK and has seen consistent, sustainable growth.
“I am pleased to support their bid to share this success at Sofia Airport and a trusted airport operator like MAG is the right company to be investing in Bulgaria as Britain seeks to strengthen its economic ties.”