Blackpool International Airport is an international airport, in the Borough of Blackpool on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, England. It was formerly known as Squires Gate airport.With aviation roots that trace back to 1909, Blackpool Airport was the first aviation site in the UK. The airport was owned and operated by City Hopper Airports Limited, which also owns Wolverhampton Airport and Biella Airport in Italy, before, in January 2007, being placed under new management after one of its two major shareholders bought out its partner. MAR Properties Ltd agreed terms to take over full control of Blackpool and Wolverhampton Airports.In May 2008, it was announced that Balfour Beatty had purchased MAR Property's 95% stake in the airport.The remaining 5% stake is held by Blackpool Borough Council.Blackpool Airport Limited has a Civil Aviation Authority Public Use Aerodrome Licence that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction.