A £25 million upgrade to Glasgow Airport is planned over the next two years.
The BAA-owned airport will invest £12 million in 2010, followed by a further £13 million in 2011.
Improvements to the airport road system, a terminal pier upgrade, a new food court, a new runway lighting system and upgrades to the airfield taxiway system are among the developments planned.
The main passenger lounge will also be refurbished along with improvements to the internal layouts of the main terminal building.
Managing director Amanda McMillan confirmed that the airport is in discussion with new and existing airlines in a bid to secure several new routes for 2010, and is working to fill the capacity lost by the failure of Globespan.
More than a third of the capacity has been replaced by existing carriers at Glasgow, including EasyJet, Thomas Cook, Thomson and Virgin Atlantic.
A major announcement on further additional capacity is expected in the next few days.
Earlier this month, operator Canadian Affair announced it was expanding its summer service from Glasgow to Toronto, with two extra flights a week. The improved schedule now offers seven flights a week to Canada’s biggest city.
The airport also recently secured new flights to Barcelona, with Sunways Holidays, and Dalaman in Turkey, operated by Kiss Flights.
McMillan said: “There is no doubt that 2009 has been one of the most challenging years the UK aviation industry has ever faced.
“Glasgow Airport is not immune from these economic pressures and, like many other airports, we have felt the impact of the recession, with fewer passengers choosing to fly and a reluctance on the part of airlines to grow.
“The demise of flyglobespan is a further challenge. However, we have already backfilled a third of the capacity lost by flyglobespan and we are working to secure additional flights with other carriers.
“We are also working to deliver several new international services from Glasgow for 2010 and we remain confident of a return to growth in the latter part of next year as market conditions improve.”
The airport is contributing £1 million towards the cost of the M74 motorway extension which it is hoped will reduce journey times to and from the airport.
Between now and 2014, when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games, the airport expects to spend between £85 million and £100 million on new terminal and airfield facilities.
The airport opened the doors to a £31 million terminal extension last year – the biggest single investment for more than a decade.
McMillan said: “These improvements will deliver a better passenger experience, provide enhanced terminal facilities, and improve the efficiency of our taxiway and runway infrastructure, which are essential for the smooth operation of the airport.
“This is a significant investment in the future of Glasgow Airport, and underlines our commitment to grow the airport and deliver a better customer experience for our passengers.”
The investment package reflects the growing confidence of airport bosses who expect to see a return to growth in the latter part of 2010.
by Phil Davies
