Government launches new bid to shift Airport from the books
A fresh bid will be launched to sell Prestwick Airport, just two months after attempts to return it to private ownership collapsed.
The Scottish Government, which bought the site in 2013 for just £ 1, had hoped to complete a deal with an unnamed preferred bidder, understood to be AGS Airports.
But the impact of coronavirus on the aviation industry led to talks being scrapped.
Announcing the new sale attempt, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said the airport still had a role to play in Scotland’s aviation sector.
He said: “We believe there is still interest in Glasgow Prestwick Airport, so we are formally putting the business back on the market.
“Despite the recent setback in the previous sale process, the airport’s senior management team has continued to engage with potential buyers and a notice will shortly be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union inviting expressions of interest.
“This allows interested parties to submit formal proposals, and may encourage new interest as well.”
He added: “Glasgow Prestwick Airport continues to develop as a specialist airport, carving a niche in a very competitive market.
“The recent financial results – showing an increase revenue and reduction in operating losses – are encouraging and underline the significant efforts of the Prestwick team.
“This is an incredibly challenging time for the aviation industry, but we remain confident Glasgow Prestwick Airport has a role to play in Scotland’s aviation sector.”
Last December, Prestwick reported a “major improvement” in its financial performance in the previous 12 months.
Accounts showed the airport cut its operating losses from £ 3m to £ 1m.
But at the start of last year, the debt owed by the airport to the Scottish government had risen to £ 38.4m.
Ayr MSP John Scott said the news of further attempts to attract a buyer were positive.
He said: “It is very welcome news for the local area that Prestwick Airport is back on the market.
“Despite the recent problems it has faced, I remain absolutely of the view that the airport can have a positive future and that the right sale can help to protect vital jobs and livelihoods in our area and beyond.
“This process must find an owner prepared to put in the investment to drive forward Prestwick Airport to better and brighter days ahead, and I am committed to continuing to support that effort in any way I can”