Airport to be renamed after George Best
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Your support makes all the difference.Belfast City Airport is to be renamed George Best Airport, it was announced today.
A special ceremony unveiling the new signage has been planned for May 22, on what would have been his 60th birthday.
The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland international died last November.
An estimated 2.2 million passengers use the airport in east Belfast each year and the decision to rename it followed management meetings with his father, Dickie, and close relatives.
Airport chief executive Brian Ambrose said: "George Best was the finest footballer Northern Ireland has ever produced and one of the greatest footballers to grace the world stage, and a man who the public had great affection for.
"We believe that renaming the airport after George is a fitting and permanent tribute to his footballing brilliance."
The Belfast City-Manchester flybe service has already been named as a tribute to the player, and Belfast councillors are preparing to give the go-ahead for a statue at City Hall.
Best's family said they were delighted with today's announcement.
A spokesman said: "The airport is synonymous with east Belfast and with thousands of people using it on a daily basis, George's memory will never be forgotten.
"This is a highly visible and lasting memorial to George that we hope will please many people in Northern Ireland."
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