Prestwick can keep flying high in the sky
Offers will be sought for Prestwick Airport after the Scottish Government admitted defeat in its bid to stem the tide at the lossmaking hub.
The airport, which has racked up almost £ 50 million of debt since being taken into public ownership, will go back on the market.
It comes six years after the government bought the site for just £ 1.
Transport Minister Michael Matheson confirmed an advert will be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union, inviting expressions of interest.
With only budget airline Ryanair operating scheduled flight s, Prestwick has become heavily reliant on its freight business to remain sustainable.
Ministers have ruled out selling off the land for housing or development.
Prestwick bosses hope a bid to become a logistics hub for Heathrow can give them hope of a brighter future.
The move to sell follows Prestwick being pulled back from the brink six years ago when it was feared up to 1,000 jobs would be lost with the airport’s closure.
More than 3,000 jobs are also supported in the nearby business and aerospace cluster.
Ayr MSP John Scott said: “It is good news that Prestwick Airport is now being actively marketed for sale and I hope that a buyer can be secured at the earliest opportunity.
“Despite the problems the airport has faced over recent years, and the need for it to be taken over by the government in 2013, I have always firmly believed that it has the potential for a bright future.
“Prestwick has all the foundations for success; the longest commercial runway and parallel taxiway in Scotland, a reputation of being Britain’s only fog- free airport, its own dedicated railway station and a thriving aerospace campus.
“What it now needs is an owner prepared to put in the investment to take the airport forward as the major economic asset it undoubtedly is.”
In a joint statement, the council leader Douglas Campbell and deputy leader Brian McGinley said: “Prestwick Airport is a key asset not just for the local economy but for the whole of Scotland and the UK.
“The move to return the airport to the private sector reflects the positive changes that we’ve seen over the last six years and is testament to the huge amount of effort that has been put in by everyone involved.
“Prestwick is on track to become the go- to destination for the aerospace and space industries and we have confirmation of £ 250 million Ayrshire Growth Deal funding and a commitment from the Scottish and UK Governments, as well as the three Ayrshire Councils to deliver a fantastic range of exciting projects, including a spaceport and innovation centre.
“The airport is also a key partner in the South Ayrshire bid to become Scotland’s logistics hub for the proposed Heathrow expansion.
“The hub would support the delivery of goods and services to Heathrow in progressing the construction of a third runway and an additional terminal building.
“All of this will deliver investment, growth and jobs that will benefit communities and the economy across the UK – and that makes Prestwick a very attractive business proposition indeed.
“It is our hope that the return of Prestwick Airport to the private sector will support our ambitions for the airport and the aerospace and space industries – bringing increased jobs, investment and prosperity that will help Prestwick reach its full potential and make a real difference for our people and places.”
The airport is also a key partner in the South Ayrshire bid to become Scotland’s logistics hub for the proposed Heathrow expansion