UNION leaders have spoken of their concern after the former head of one of the region's airports was appointed to an identical post in another part of the country while legal proceedings are ongoing against him.

John Parkin was suspended from his position as chief executive of Newcastle Airport in March after an investigation was launched into "certain personal contractual issues". He has since been appointed chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport.

T&G section regional industrial organiser Graham Eastwood said last night: "While nothing has yet been proven, we believe there are serious concerns about this new appointment.

"This particularly when a company with such a high and public profile as Newcastle International Airport commences High Court proceedings against Mr Parkin.

"Our members at Newcastle Airport and the North-East public have a right to know what has been going on."

Mr Eastwood added: "The workforce at Leeds Bradford (LBA) must be concerned about the new appointment, particularly when the new owners Bridgepoint, less than four months ago stated, that no changes to the management structure of LBA were planned."

Papers - which are subject to a confidentiality agreement - have been lodged with the Queen's Bench division of the High Court.

Yesterday, bosses at Newcastle International Airport declined to comment.

A spokesman said: "The view of Newcastle International Airport Ltd (Nial) is that the selection of Leeds Bradford Airport's chief executive is a matter for that airport.

"Because of the ongoing legal proceedings, Nial is unable to comment further."

Managers at Leeds Bradford said they were happy with the appointment. A spokesman said: "Mr Parkin resigned from his position as chief executive of Newcastle Airport in early May 2007. He expects, in due course, to resolve the personal contractual issues which arose, and therefore you will appreciate we cannot comment any further.

"Suffice it to say that Bridgepoint have reviewed, and are satisfied with, the position."

Mr Parkin was unavailable for comment yesterday.