Airport sets sights on military
Bosses plan to attract foreign air forces in bid to boost finances
BOSSES at Prestwick Airport want to lure more foreign air forces to Ayrshire in a bid to help plug a multi-million pound gap in the struggling, state-owned facility’s finances.
About six military aircraft are already landing at the airport every day, with bosses keen to expand the business by actively pursuing formal deals with armed forces from across the globe.
In 2014/15, the British, Ameri- can, Canadian, Belgian, Dutch, French and Kuwaiti air forces used Prestwick. In total, 2,077 military flights arrived at the airport in 12 months, a rise of more than 10 per cent on the previous year.
Moves to promote the airport to militaries across the world drew criticism in some quarters, amid fears it may be indirectly aiding foreign military interventions that the SNP publicly condemns.
Most of the air forces already using Prestwick are engaged in bombing IS in Iraq, a move the SNP opposed. The party has also been outspoken about its opposition to the bombing campaign in Syria, in which both the Canadian and American air forces are actively engaged.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “In compliance with European Union State Aid rules, Glasgow Prestwick Airport is being operated on a commercial basis and at arm’s length from the Scottish Government.
“The senior management team at the airport has been tasked with all aspects of taking the airport forward, including building on existing revenue streams.”
Neil Findlay, the Labour MSP, accused the Government of trying to deny responsibility for what went on at its own airport.
He said: “The Scottish Government should confirm if they are happy for Scotland to be used as a stopover for military activity and whether they know where the armed forces of these countries have been before coming to Scotland, or where are going to after they move on from Scotland.
“Scotland must not be used as a stopover as they complete or embark on armed conflict.”
Prestwick promises a “hassle free” service for military flights, with air forces required only to provide the most basic of information about the reason for their visit so that the airport knows the facilities it will be required to provide.
Rules appear not to have been tightened despite Police Scotland launching an investigation in 2013 into alleged CIA use of Scottish airports, including Prestwick, to transfer terror suspects who were then subjected to what many consider torture. The police probe into extraordinary rendition flights remains ongoing.
The airport has confirmed that it would be happy to approach any country allowed to fly into the UK to offer use of Prestwick, with diplomatic clearances the responsibility of the UK Government.
Airport bosses believe there is a growing opportunity to attract more foreign air forces to Ayrshire, with many countries closing down their own air bases on foreign soil in a bid to save cash.
Keith Brown, the SNP transport minister, confirmed that Prestwick airport is “actively pursuing c ommerc ia l op p or t u n i t i e s connected with military aircraft”.