Manchester Airports Group is considering acquiring another UK airport, raising speculation that it may bid for either Edinburgh or Stansted.
Edinburgh and Stansted airports have been put up for sale by owner BAA following a ruling by the Competition Commission.
MAG, which also includes East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside airports, said it wanted to bring in partners to help finance the deal.
But the group has not said which airports it may be interested in.
MAG’s local council owners are considering the recommendations, which came after a strategic review.
Manchester City Council owns 55% of the group, while the nine other Greater Manchester authorities have 5% each.
“Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is aiming high to strengthen its position as one of the leading airport operators in the country,” the company said in a statement.
“MAG is already a key driver of jobs and growth in the North of England, but these proposals would allow the group to strengthen this position – and deliver maximum value for the local authority shareholders.”
It added that it would now invite private equity investors to submit proposals for the deal. The process of choosing an investment partner is expected to take a few months, the BBC reported.
Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.
The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.