'Investment not cuts' assure airport bosses

Published 14 Oct 2009 15:25 0 Comments

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RENFREWSHIRE'S airport workers are being told not to panic over plans to cut costs as part of a money saving drive.

Glasgow Airport operator BAA have played down jobs fears over their cost saving exercise which includes a plan to close Terminal 2 over the winter lull.

But local politicians along with BAA are assuring the airports 20,000 workers their jobs are safe despite being hit by the recession.

A Glasgow Airport BAA spokesperson said: "Like any private business Glasgow Airport must control its costs - particularly during times of recession - so that it remains competitive.

"We are currently looking at a range of options to reduce costs over the quieter winter months, when we traditionally have fewer passengers. It's entirely sensible that we do so, so that we continue to deliver value for money for our airline partners.

"However, we are still in discussion with airlines and nothing has been agreed at this stage.

"Any decision we take will be in the best long term interests of Glasgow Airport, and will enhance our ability to invest for the future.

"Glasgow Airport is continuing to invest £12 million on new terminal and airfield facilities this year, as part of a £200 million investment over the next ten years.

"We can only make this investment by reducing our fixed costs."

Renfrewshire politicians say talks with BAA have assured them that jobs are not at risk.

Jim Sheridan, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: "As a business the Airport is attempting to control costs and are looking at various options to achieve this during the winter lull, however, I have been told that no decisions have been reached and that discussions with the airlines who use the airport are ongoing.

"My key aim is to avoid job losses where possible and support Glasgow Airport as one of Scotland's principal transport hubs.

"I am pleased that BAA are continuing to invest £12 million on new terminal and airfield facilities as part of a £200 million investment over the next ten years despite the decision by the Scottish Executive to pull the plug on the airport rail link.

"I will continue to monitor the situation closely to support the Airport, its staff and the interests of the travelling public who use the airport."

MSP for Paisley South, Hugh Henry said: "I know Glasgow Airport, like other airport operators, are facing difficult times.

"BAA has a good record of investment in Glasgow Airport and I don't want that to be jeopardised.

"BAA has told me that no decision has been taken yet about its operations over the winter months including T2.

"I have, however, written to BAA seeking assurances that Glasgow Airport's long term future will be protected."

Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Derek Mackay, said: "As a Council we have positive working relations with BAA Glasgow, and have been given assurances no jobs are at risk. BAA have been very clear about this."

This article appeared in The Gazette 14 Oct 09

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