Supporting the growth of the West Midlands as a UK transport hub
Macquarie is supporting Birmingham Airport's next phase of growth and strengthening the West Midlands' role as a global gateway for trade, investment and connectivity
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| Sector | Infrastructure |
| Sub-sector | Transport |
| Location | United Kingdom |
Opportunity
The UK’s West Midlands region is home to more than four million people and a £117 billion economy.1
Its central location, strong transport links and manufacturing heritage make it a key gateway for business, trade and investment across the UK. The region accounts for approximately 9 per cent of the UK’s goods exports2 and is one of the leading destinations for foreign direct investment outside London.3
Birmingham Airport directly connects customers and cargo to over 140 destinations in over 40 countries and is accessible to over half of the population of England and Wales within a two-hour rail or road journey. The airport helps attract global investment, supports the region's advanced manufacturing, aerospace and automotive sectors, and connects UK exporters with international markets.
It is also a major contributor to the regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs and helping drive long-term prosperity across the region.
Approach
In November 2025, Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), through its managed funds, acquired a stake in Birmingham Airport as part of a wider transaction that also included investments in Bristol Airport and London City Airport.
MAM brings more than 20 years of experience investing in and managing airports globally, and more than 35 years of experience investing in infrastructure in the UK. This includes a decade of ownership of AGS Airports, comprising Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.4
Partnering with Birmingham Airport's management team, MAM will support the next phase of its development and long-term growth ambitions. A key focus is the airport’s draft 2041 Master Plan, which sets out its vision for the next 15 years.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including local government and regional partners, the Master Plan defines how the airport will evolve to serve an increasing number of passengers and airlines while focusing on sustainability, operational efficiency, and an enhanced passenger experience.
Through its investment, MAM is supporting the airport's sustainability ambitions, including its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions from direct operations by 2033. The airport's Sustainability Strategy 2026-2030 sets out a roadmap to achieve this target through initiatives being undertaken across airport operations, alongside collaboration with suppliers and partners and local communities.5
Outcome
In October 2026, the airport released its draft 2041 Master Plan for public consultation. It sets out how the airport proposes to serve up to 30 million passengers a year by 2041 and grow its economic benefit to the West Midlands and UK more widely.6
Under its proposed investment of more than £2 billion, the airport is forecast to support approximately 107,400 jobs across the West Midlands and contribute around £7.2 billion annually to the regional economy by 2041, roughly doubling the current levels.7
Alongside more than 13,000 on-site roles by 2041 across airport operations, airlines, retail, hospitality, cargo and other areas, wider employment will be supported through the airport's supply chain, business connectivity, freight activity and inbound tourism.
By increasing capacity and strengthening connectivity, Birmingham Airport is positioned to play an even greater role in supporting the long-term growth of the West Midlands.
As a strategic regional asset and critical piece of national infrastructure, the airport will continue to connect people, businesses and markets, fostering employment, investment and economic activity in local communities and across the region.
13.7 million
passengers served in 20258
~140
direct destinations throughout the UK, Europe and beyond
~107,400
jobs supported across the West Midlands by 2041
~£7.2 billion
contribution to regional economy in 2041
As a leading investor in airports around the world, including the UK, we understand their importance to local communities and for economic growth. We see Birmingham Airport as a key piece of infrastructure supporting the West Midlands' growth ambitions and look forward to playing our part, as a long-term investor, to support its development in the years to come.”
Gordon Parsons,
Senior Managing Director
Macquarie Asset Management
1. ‘Unlocking the West Midlands: Driving growth through financial and related professional services’, TheCityUK/PwC, June 2025.
2. ‘Trade and investment core statistics book’, Department for Business and Trade, September 2026.
3. ‘West Midlands – UK investment region’, Department for Business and Trade, accessed October 2026.
4. ‘Macquarie and Ferrovial announce sale of AGS Airports’, Macquarie Group Ltd, 13 November 2024.
5. ‘Sustainability Strategy 2026-2030’, Birmingham Airport, accessed October 2026.
6. ‘Draft Master Plan 2026’, Birmingham Airport, 8 October 2026.
7. As at 2025, Birmingham Airport supports approximately 55,000 jobs across the West Midlands, including around 9,300 on-site roles, and contributes approximately £3.6 billion in gross value added (GVA) annually to the regional economy. ‘Draft Master Plan 2026’, Birmingham Airport, October 2026.
8. ‘Draft Master Plan 2026’, Birmingham Airport, October 2026.
