A 30-year development plan for Glasgow airport has been unveiled ahead of a three month public consultation.
The BAA-owned airport plans a £200 million investment over the next ten years, with a series of projects to upgrade the terminal, provide additional aircraft stands and increase capacity of the existing runway.
Longer term plans will see a second international pier, and a new pier connected to the main terminal. The capacity of the existing runway will be increased by 2020 and additional aircraft stands will be developed to allow for more European and long haul flights.
The aim for 2040 is that the east pier, currently used by easyJet, Aer Lingus and Loganair, will be demolished and replaced by a new, larger pier. The main terminal will be extended and new airport stands developed, requiring the relocation of the existing cargo, maintenance and ancillary facilities.
Local residents, businesses and politicians will have a chance to air their views on the future development of the airport during a 12 week public consultation.
A final master plan will be published by the end of the year. Updated forecasts produced by BAA suggest that growth will return and passenger numbers will increase to 10.04 million in 2020 and almost 16.4 million in 2040.
The airport claims to support more than 7,300 jobs throughout Scotland and contributes around £200 million a year to the economy. Thousands of additional jobs could be created as a result of the airport’s future development, according to the airport.
Airport managing director Amanda McMillan said: “Our investment will improve the experience for passengers, support thousands of jobs, and increase the already significant economic contribution Glasgow airport makes to the regional and national economy.
“After a challenging period for the aviation industry, forecasts indicate that air passenger numbers will recover over the long term. It is essential that we are able to meet this demand if we are to sustain the economic contribution the airport makes.
“At the same time, our plans must also be affordable, achievable and sustainable. Given the decline in passenger traffic across UK airports, it is right that we revise our long term development strategy to reflect the reality of a changed market.”