Glasgow Airport to shut runway to help pay for £9m revamp
24.01.08
Glasgow Airport is to shut its second runway and reinvest the money saved in extra security and a main terminal revamp. The £9m the move will save will help fund investment to boost security along the airport forecourt and pay for new terminal seating, flooring and lighting.
The secondary runway has operated since the 1960s but is rarely used - it handled just 257 flights in 2006 / 07 - less than one flight a day on average, or 0.3% of the airport's overall traffic. It is also less than half the length of the main runway, can only accommodate small aircraft and would need significant investment to maintain the same standard as the main runway.
Glasgow Airport managing director Gordon Dewar said: 'It makes no commercial sense to invest in a facility that is scarcely used. We believe it makes better sense to invest our resources in front line staff and terminal improvements that benefit all of our passengers.'
The exact date of the closure has still to be set. Owners BAA Scotland will consult aircraft operators, politicians and businesses later this month to determine the timescale. The short runway land has been zoned for airport use but will be left as it is for the foreseeable future.
The plans to close the runway were released as BAA announced a 50% leap in capital spend for 2008, which will see the amount of money invested in terminal improvements rise from £16m in 2007 to almost £25m this year. Around £16m has already been committed this year to the massive 4000 square metre Skyhub project, which will see all passengers fly from the same terminal, tighter security and new bars, shops and restaurants.
Mr Dewar said: 'This investment underlines BAA's commitment to Glasgow Airport for the long term. It is an investment plan that will deliver a higher standard of service for our passengers. When it opens in nine months, Skyhub will transform the experience for passengers.'
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