About Us

Aerial view of an airplane runway at Leeds East Airport with ground markings, surrounded by green fields and runways in the distance.
Close-up view of a private jet airplane's engine and fuselage inside an Leeds East Airport hangar.

Church Fenton, established in 1937 as a Royal Air Force station, holds a proud place in Britain’s aviation history. Once alive with the roar of Hurricanes and Spitfires, it was a critical base during World War II, serving as home to fighter squadrons defending the nation’s skies, creating a legacy steeped in resilience and innovation.

Today, Church Fenton has transformed into a thriving private airfield while preserving its cultural heritage.

Under the ownership of Yorkshire’s family-run Makins, the airfield has become a dynamic hub for media, food and beverage, construction and transport industries.

Every year, world-class events harness its unique scope, blending historical significance with contemporary ambition.

A large crowd gathering at night, watching a giant disco ball being lowered by a crane at Leeds East Airport, with bright lights shining from the disco ball.
Silhouettes of two people operating a professional film camera in a Leeds East Airport film studio.
A pilot in a fighter jet cockpit waving, wearing a helmet and flight suit, with clouds in the background.

This melting pot of knowledge, ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, embodies the forward-thinking vision of Makin Enterprises.

Church Fenton is no longer just an airfield - it is a landmark location where heritage and progress meet, driving positive change and innovation in Yorkshire and beyond.

A timeline infographic of Church Fenton's history from 1937 to today, with each point including a brief description of key events and developments related to the RAF station and its transformation over the years.

OUR HISTORY

  • Portrait of Sally, Managing Director, with Leeds East Airport logo in the bottom right corner.

    Sally Rafferty

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

    As Director of Commercial Property and Events, Sally is the first point of contact for businesses and event organisers looking to make Leeds East Airport their home. With over a decade of experience in corporate events and commercial property, she ensures every event runs seamlessly and every business finds the right space to thrive. Her expertise and commitment to excellence help create a dynamic and forward-thinking environment at Leeds East Airport.

  • Photograph of Nikki, an airport manager, with a background featuring Leeds East Airport branding and branding elements.

    Nikki Evans

    AIRPORT MANAGER

    Nikki joined the team in 2018 as FBO Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in aviation operations. The following year, she took on the role of Airport Manager, where she plays a key role in overseeing the airport’s growth, development, and day-to-day operations. Her expertise and leadership ensure that Leeds East Airport continues to evolve, delivering exceptional service and supporting its long-term success.

  • A professional woman with blonde hair wearing a black blazer and white shirt, smiling, with a background featuring geometric patterns and text reading 'KELLY, FBO Manager'.

    Kelly Young

    FBO Manager

    Kelly originally joined the team as a supervisor and quickly rose to the role of FBO Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in Fixed Base Operations. Her expertise and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring a seamless experience for pilots, crew, and passengers, as well as driving the ongoing development of our FBO services. Kelly’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence make her a key part of the Leeds East Airport team, ensuring every aircraft, passenger, and crew member receives exceptional service from arrival to departure.