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Fareham Borough Council officially announced in August 2025 that Matt Wilkins will take over as the new operator of Solent Airport Daedalus starting 1 April 2026. Leading the newly formed EGHF Ltd, Wilkins brings over a decade of specialised aerodrome management experience and a proven track record of transforming an historic aviation site into a thriving, centre of aviation.
Since 2011, Wilkins has served as the CAA Accountable Aerodrome Manager of Old Buckenham Airfield in Norfolk. Under his leadership, the former WWII USAAF base underwent a dramatic turnaround, stabilizing its financial position within just four weeks and achieving 100% occupancy of all on-site premises within three months. The Old Buckenham Airshow has grown to be the largest event in the area, regularly welcoming the Red Arrows and significant historic aircraft such as Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B,. His expertise in balancing heritage preservation with modern commercial viability is directly aligned with the vision for Solent Airport, which also has an even longer aviation history as the former HMS Daedalus.
Wilkins is a prominent figure in the UK aviation industry, currently serving as the longest serving Chairman of the British Air Display Association (BADA), the only industry body for the Airshow industry. and Chairman of the General Aviation Awareness Council which is seen as the principal planning and property issue resource for aerodromes under threat. At Westminster, Wilkins’ involvement with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Aviation sees him uniquely in charge of two key Working Groups – Chair of the APPG’s Airfields and Airports Working Group and Founder and Chair of the Airshows and Air Displays Working Group. Finally, within the events industry, Wilkins is a Board Member of the Events Industry Forum authors of the Purple Guide – the Government endorsed guidance for the Events Industry. Wilkins wrote the Air Displays Chapter. Aside from being entrusted with these roles by the General Aviation Industry, he holds a number of key certifications;
CAA Certified Flying Display Director: One of fewer than 100 in the UK. He has fulfilled that role at IWM Duxford, Blackpool, Stow Maries and others and was responsible for directing the World’s First Zero Emission Air Display off Brighton; part of his role with NEBOAir’s Electric Arrows who use the world’s only type approved electric aircraft.
Air Traffic Examiner: Wilkins hold a Radio Operators Certificate of Competence examiner rating – allowing him to train and examine candidates at the start of their air traffic services career.
About Solent Airport Daedalus
Owned by Fareham Borough Council, Solent Airport is a premier general aviation airfield and a cornerstone of the Solent Enterprise Zone. It serves as a hub for aviation, engineering, and manufacturing, supporting the local economy through high-skilled jobs and innovation.