HIAL boosts turnover

HIGHLANDS and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is reporting a significant increase in turnover and passenger numbers for the 2016/17 financial year.

The company, which is owned by the Scottish Government and is responsible for the management and operation of 11 airports across the Highlands and Islands, has boosted turnover to £22 million, increased passenger numbers by 15.4 per cent to 1.6 million, and cut losses from £3.38 million in 2015/16 to just £8,000, for the same period in 2016/17.

Figures lodged yesterday (October 4) also highlight a continued investment of £16 million across the group’s airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick.

Chief executive Inglis Lyon believes the airport group is in good shape for further growth in the current financial year.

‘Working with stakeholders, we are committed to supporting the essential socio-economic role of aviation in Scotland through the maintenance and development of our airports, many of which provide important jobs and support in fragile economic areas,’ he said.

The company has also announced a new interim chairwoman, as the process of making a permanent appointment gets under way.

Current member of the HIAL board Lorna Jack will take up the post and help guide the company as it works on a number of projects central to the future of air travel in the Highlands and Islands.

Work to identify candidates for the post on a permanent basis through the formal public appointments process is already under way.