WELSH Rugby Union chief Roger Lewis is to become the next chairman of Cardiff Airport.

Mr Lewis will take up the non-executive position in November when Lord Rowe-Beddoe stands down. Mr Lewis announced last month he would be leaving the WRU on October 31 following this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.

“Cardiff Airport is crucial to the economy of Wales both in terms of bringing visitors to our country and enabling easier business links with Europe and the rest of the world," he said.

"I am thrilled by the appointment and honoured by the confidence being shown in me. I am now looking forward to focussing on the challenges ahead, working together with Welsh Government and the team at the Airport to continue the developments achieved both in the choice for travellers flying from and to Wales as well as in the infrastructure.”

Announcing the appointment this week, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport Edwina Hart said: “I am delighted Roger has agreed to take on this important role and to build on the considerable progress both in route expansion and facilities improvement already overseen at Cardiff Airport by Lord Rowe-Beddoe over the past two years.

“I thank Lord-Rowe Beddoe for his commitment to the Airport since we took ownership two years ago. Recent achievements such as the new Flybe destinations from Cardiff mean the Airport is in a far stronger position now than when we bought it and Lord Rowe-Beddoe has been a key contributor to that success.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomed the appointment.

“Roger has done an excellent job as Chief Executive of the WRU over the past nine years," he said. "I look forward to him bringing the same level of professionalism and commitment when he takes over the helm at Cardiff Airport.”

Regional AM Andrew RT Davies said: “Roger Lewis brings with him a wealth of experience, which will certainly be needed with the challenges that await him.

“The Welsh Government has now spent upwards of £80 million on the airport and it’s about time we saw that money delivering net gain for the taxpayer.

“The key to his success in the role will be to attract viable and attractive routes and, I would hope, to deliver the airport back into private ownership in the long run.

“Wales needs a vibrant national airport and I wish Roger all the best in the task he has taken on. With Carwyn Jones having staked his reputation on the airport’s success, he simply cannot afford to fail.”