Ananova:

Transport group National Express has put the "for sale" sign over its two UK airports.

A disposal of the pair, in the East Midlands and Bournemouth, is expected to raise around £200 million and would allow National Express to focus on its core rail and bus operations.

National Express bought its East Midlands airport in 1993 for £27 million and three years later acquired the Bournemouth site for £7 million.

Since then the group has invested in expanding the pair, which together employ around 400 staff.

National Express says it will sell the two airports subject to "receiving a satisfactory price for shareholders".

The announcement comes two months after the group tabled a £165.8 million offer for Prism Rail, which will boost its rail operations, adding the Tilbury and Southend line and Stansted Express franchises.

National Express already has five franchises - Silverlink, Midland Mainline, Gatwick Express, Central Trains and Scotrail.

The group is not including its New York-based Stewart Airport, on which it holds a 99-year lease, in the sale.