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A £290 million pound boost for Scotland`s busiest international airport was unveiled as airport operator BAA published its 25 year blueprint for the future of Glasgow Airport. As a first step, BAA Glasgow has revealed ambitious plans for a £25 million extension to the main terminal, due to start next spring.
The Glasgow Airport Master Plan, launched by airport managing director Alan Barr, sets out BAA Glasgow`s long term vision for the airport over the next quarter century. The blueprint is the culmination of over 12 months of detailed discussions with local and national government, local residents, the business community and the tourism industry, on the future development of Glasgow Airport.
Mr Barr said: “We are announcing a £290 million investment plan that will transform Glasgow Airport into a world class gateway, deliver thousands of extra jobs, boost Scottish business and tourism, and revolutionise the way people travel to and from Scotland`s largest city.”
“We have spent the past year talking and listening to the city and the local community. Having done so, we now set out our vision for the future of Scotland`s busiest airport and the investment that will enable its continued success in an increasingly competitive global market.”
“It is a responsible plan for growth that means better facilities for our passengers, more jobs for local people, a bigger choice of international destinations for business and leisure travellers, and action to tackle the environmental impacts of aviation,” added Mr. Barr.
The requirement to publish a 25 year Master Plan was established in the Government`s 2003 White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, which set out the framework for airport development in the UK up to 2030. The Master Plan shows how BAA Glasgow intends to deliver the White Paper`s objectives, in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The 50 page document is a revised version of an earlier draft published in July 2005 for public consultation.
It outlines in detail how Glasgow Airport will develop up to 2015, and the terminal and airfield facilities needed to achieve future growth. It also looks in more general terms at the period up to 2030.
Mr Barr said: “We are proud of the role Glasgow Airport plays, promoting the wider region and Scotland to the world and building strong and sustainable international connections, better serving the area`s thriving business community and tourism industry. But as we look to the future, we must also consider the legacy we leave future generations. Glasgow Airport will grow in a responsible and sustainable manner, with due consideration for our neighbours and the environment in which we all must live and work.”
“We have worked closely with Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council and others to deliver a Master Plan that we believe reflects Glasgow Airport`s ambitions for the future, but is mindful of the impacts of the airport on our local communities.”
Climate change, air quality, aircraft noise and transport links are among the many issues addressed in the Master Plan. The document also highlights the many benefits Glasgow Airport provides, in terms of its social and economic impact, its contribution to business and tourism, and its substantial investment programme.
Alan Barr added: “We have tried, wherever possible, to reflect the views of all our stakeholders in this revised Master Plan. We know that our responsibilities extend far beyond our boundary and we have made every effort to accommodate the views of key stakeholders such as Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow City Council. Our aim, throughout this process, has been to deliver a vision of Glasgow Airport which the community, in its widest sense, can support.”
Renfrewshire Council Leader Jim Harkins said: “I welcome the economic contribution which Glasgow Airport makes and will continue to make as the largest private employer in the Council area. During our consultations with BAA Glasgow`s management team, I have stressed the need for the airport`s growth to be managed in a sustainable manner. I am pleased that the revised Master Plan acknowledges my concerns on issues such as noise and air quality. I will ensure that the Council continues to work with airport management to assist them to achieve the aims outlined in the Master Plan.”
Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow airport plays a vital role not only in the Glasgow economy but across the entire country. This new investment will ensure this continues in the years ahead. We need to attract more investment and jobs to the area if every single person in Glasgow is to share in the city`s recent success. The new Glasgow Airport Master Plan will help deliver this bright future for Glasgow and Scotland.”
Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “The development of Glasgow Airport is of strategic importance to the city and metropolitan region economy, and no more so than in the tourism sector. The growth of direct flights to Glasgow has opened up new markets for short breaks to the city, and increased access is helping to attract greater numbers of delegates to the conferences that meet here.”
“Glasgow City Marketing Bureau works in close partnership with BAA to help encourage new routes and sustain demand through on territory marketing in these new markets. Tourism to Glasgow is growing steadily, and where there is increased demand, a growth in infrastructure is sure to follow, creating jobs and wealth for the region.”
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