New hope on Heathrow link
A delegation from Heathrow Airport was welcomed to Prestwick Airport to meet with senior airport representatives and multi- agency partners to showcase the unique strengths and rich potential Ayrshire has to offer in its bid to become Scotland’s Heathrow Logistics Hub site.
A Scottish hub is guaranteed as a key commitment in Heathrow’s plan to boost jobs and growth in Scotland as a consequence of the expansion project.
The winning location will pioneer off- site manufacturing kicking off the creation of up to 16000 new jobs and up to £ 17billion in economic growth that the Heathrow expansion is predicted to bring Scotland.
The additional capacity to be realised from Heathrow’s expansion also creates the potential for new domestic services flying to and from Scottish airports boosting the country’s tourism and trade.
Stewart Adams, Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s chief executive said:“Our proposition involves the airport as well as key neighbouring assets including the Port of Ayr; Falkland Rail Freight Yard and Newton Shore.
“We have been working collaboratively to develop a comprehensive offering that brings together a number of private and public sector partners and investors to showcase a multi- model logistics hub proposition to support the future development of Heathrow.
“A key target for Glasgow Prestwick Airport is securing a London route. It would provide much needed access to a wide range of onward connections.
Eileen Howat, chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council, said: “We firmly believe the South Ayrshire bid to become Scotland’s Heathrow Logistics Hub site is the best option for Scotland and the UK, and we’re proud to support our partners at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, the Port of Ayr, Falkland Rail Freight Yard and Newton Shore.
“A South Ayrshire Logistics Hub will deliver investment, growth, jobs, and will benefit people and communities right across the country. I’m sure that came across loud and clear to our visitors from Heathrow and I hope they make the right decision.”