Nottingham East Midlands airport is in the centre of the country, surrounded by the city of Nottingham, Deby and Leicester. The airport was offically opened back in 1965 by Prince Philip. It was not a great success financially at the start but was later bought by the NAtional Express Group who recognised the potentional of the airport. Over the next 8 years they invested £77million on the airport infrastructure and passenger facilities. In 2000 the National Express Group sold the airport to the Manchester Airport Group for £241million. The airport has continued to prosper since and 2003 saw a staggering 2.38 million passengers pass through the gates.