Glasgow Airport unveils 30-year “Master Plan”

Glasgow Airport has put forward an ambitious development plan to cope with growth far beyond 2020, including a terminal refurbishment, additional stands and increased runway capacity. £200million has been set aside for the first stage of the programme, expected to take around ten years to complete. A second “longer term” plan, to begin after 2020, will see two new piers built – one for international services and an additional one attached to the main terminal. Airport operator BAA said it expected growth despite a “challenging period for the aviation industry”, with forecasts now showing an increase in passenger numbers of "10.04million in 2020 and almost 16.4million in 2040". The new piers will allow for more European and long haul flights “to the likes of Dubai and New York”, while additional “jumbo-sized” stands will be capable of handling the B787 Dreamliner and other next generation aircraft. The existing East Pier, currently being used by Easyjet, Aer Lingus and Loganair, will be demolished to make way for the new facilities. BAA said it would not consider building a second runway until 2040 “based on current forecasts”. For more information glasgowairport.com. Andrew Gough