Glasgow Airport bosses have set out why they have “no plans” to change its name after the subject was recently debated by councillors.
Last month, Renfrewshire Council agreed to raise the prospect of renaming the Paisley travel hub with owner AGS Airports as elected members marked its 60th anniversary.
Councillor Janis McDonald, a Labour representative for Paisley Northwest, submitted a motion to September’s full council meeting recognising the major milestone observed by the Abbotsinch facility in May as well as its wider economic contribution.
That led to Councillor Andy Doig calling for a public consultation on the possibility of renaming it, with any clear consensus achieved to be relayed in a subsequent request to the operator.
However, he later withdrew his amendment after SNP council leader Iain Nicolson proposed consulting with Glasgow Airport’s owner in the first instance before discussing the matter at the relevant policy board.
Cold water was poured on the idea within days of the discussion as AGS confirmed it was not under consideration,
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Its chief executive officer has since explained why it is not on the table.
In a letter shared with elected members this week, Kam Jandu said: “We were extremely grateful to Councillor McDonald for tabling the motion recognising Glasgow Airport’s 60th anniversary.
“We were aware of the various amendments proposed and the subsequent decision by the council to seek our views … I can confirm that we have no plans to change the name of the airport.
“While we are immensely proud of our location in Renfrewshire and our long-standing connection with Paisley, we have also worked closely with partners across the wider Glasgow City Region to strengthen the case for improved connectivity and route development.
“Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and economic powerhouse, recognised globally by travellers and businesses alike.
“That international recognition has been an important factor in our recent success, reflected in the launch of more than 25 new routes and services over the past two years, including the long-awaited return of direct flights to New York with United Airlines.
“As part of the £350 million investment programme announced last year, we are now preparing to embark on a significant transformation of the airport.
“A strong sense of place will sit at the heart of that programme and our Paisley and Renfrewshire heritage will be reflected throughout the passenger experience.”
Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, had said at last month’s meeting: “The point about this is we need to show political leadership.
“We’ve got a great story to tell here, really, so we need to take a political decision and then try and take public opinion with us.
"They can come up with ideas.”
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