Prestwick Airport has set out its five-year strategic plan in which the management team will work to “return the business to private ownership with a sustainable future as an airport”.
The plan has been put together by the government-owned airport's management team led by Chief Executive Ron Smith. Its aim is to develop a proactive and targeted approach to business activities.
“The SNP Government has always stated that they would like to return the business to the private sector and this is a fundamental pillar of our plan,” Mr Smith said.
“We are working to make the business an attractive prospect for a private investor to come in and build upon this strategy; someone who can bring in additional funds to upgrade our infrastructure and facilities and attract even more business. If we can do this, we could speed up our turn-around and the new strategic plan will allow management to maximise the opportunities available.”
Added Kenneth Gibson:
“Prestwick is a major Ayrshire employer, vital to our economy. It has tremendous potential, not least as Europe’s first spaceport, which I have championed at Holyrood.
“The picture for Prestwick Airport is a positive one. Passenger numbers are on the up again, cargo income is consistent in spite of changes in the wider market, military income is growing and property occupancy is at an all-time high.
“It is only a couple of years since North Ayrshire’s only Tory councillor, Tom Marshall, called for Prestwick to be closed. I am pleased that the SNP Government ignored such siren calls.
“The turn-around will be challenging and will take time, but it has started and this new plan will build upon this.”
ENDS
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