Airport News

Glasgow Prestwick Airport opens new Ryanair hangar

Wed, 16 Feb, 2011

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has opened a new Ryanair hangar.

The new facility, which cost £8 million to construct, was officially launched by Scottish first minister Alex Salmond and Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary.

It is thought 200 engineering jobs will be created by the demands of the hangar, which was situated in Glasgow despite competition from a number of other sites throughout Europe.

Commenting on the opening, Mr O'Leary expressed his gratitude to the Scottish government and Glasgow Prestwick Airport for their "help and support" in the creation of the new building.

"Ryanair's successful growth in Scotland is possible thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise who have repeatedly supported our vision for many more low fare flights to/from Scotland," he said.

Mr Salmond added that the facility will deliver £8 million worth of investment to the country's economy.

Earlier in the week, the managing director of Glasgow Airport Amanda McMillan welcomed statistics that show the hub returned to growth last month.
 

read more

Joe Evans



Ryanair welcomes 20 millionth Glasgow Prestwick Airport passenger

Mon, 31 Jan, 2011

Ryanair has welcomed the 20 millionth customer to use its services at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

Alongside Scottish transport minister Keith Brown, representatives from the airline greeted Patricia McPhillimy from Barassie in Troon.

Ms McPhillimy, a nurse at Ayrshire Hospice, was returning from Dublin after attending her sister's birthday party in the Irish capital.

She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Mr Brown, along with a bottle of champagne and a free return flight, courtesy of Ryanair.

Mr Brown expressed his joy at being present to celebrate the achievement.

"I am delighted to be here at Glasgow Prestwick as Ryanair welcomes its 20 millionth passenger through the airport. Glasgow Prestwick and Ryanair make a substantial contribution to Scotland's connectivity," he said.

This comes after the Manchester Evening News reported on Ryanair's talks with Manchester Airport regarding the launch of new flights.

The news follows the announcement of a multi-million pound deal for new budget services from the north-west hub, also run by Ryanair.
 

read more

Joe Evans



Prestwick Airport unveils new flights for summer

Tue, 11 Jan, 2011

Glasgow's Prestwick Airport has announced the launch of a new range of flights scheduled to commence this summer.

Provided by Atlantic Holidays, direct flights to the Portugese island of Madeira will commence as of July 4th 2011.

The facility claimed the destination boasts "just about the most perfect climate in the world" and noted a number of famous Madeirans, including Christopher Columbus and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Spokeswoman for Prestwick Airport Paula Horne expressed her delight at the launch and promoted the island as an ideal holiday hotspot.

"You'll be impressed by its breathtaking beauty - sheer cliffs, deep ravines and ragged mountain peaks which hint at the island's volcanic origins," she said.

Ms Horne noted the range of attractions awaiting visitors, making particular mention of Madeira's public gardens and picturesque interior.

According to a World Travel Guide introduction to the island, Madeira is nicknamed the "Pearl of the Atlantic" and is well-known for its rich volcanic soil, lush landscapes and mild climate.
 

read more

Joe Evans



Young artist exhibits work at Prestwick Airport

Tue, 21 Dec, 2010

A young artist has been selected to have her work shown at Prestwick Airport.

Based around the theme of travel, the eight-foot oil paintings of Katy Storm are to be displayed in the downstairs arrivals all and upper lounge level of the facility.

This is the budding painter's first exhibition and she put in a significant amount of research before starting work on the pieces.

Ms Storm travelled to a number of tube stations and airports, while cataloguing her findings.

"The modern world is home to an increasing number of places for convenience," she said. "We see them as nothing more than an object to transport us elsewhere."

Ms Storm went on to state that she aims to capture the "still, alien and lonely" among the "chaos of everyday life".

In a recent statement, chiefs at Prestwick Airport reported that despite the adverse weather conditions, the facility is still open but may be subject to delays for both inbound and outbound services.
 

read more

Joe Evans



Prestwick Airport provides emergency crane airlift

Thu, 21 Oct, 2010

Glasgow's Prestwick Airport's freight division has recently completed an emergency airlift for one of its clients.

Engineering firm Sparrows' contracted the airport to airlift an urgently-needed crane to one of the company's clients in Abu Dhabi.

The equipment was flown to its destination - where it will be used on a drilling rig, after it is appropriately refurbished for such duties - by a large freight plane,.

Chief executive officer at Prestwick Airport Iain Cochrane said the move was a prime example of the airport's efficiency in such matters.

"Once again this demonstrates Glasgow Prestwick's exceptional expertise and commitment to fast turnaround of large and complex freight loads," he said.

Corporate communications manager for Sparrows' Michelle Wainwright expressed the company's gratitude for the efforts of staff at the airport and said their efficiency allowed her firm to react quickly to the needs of its client.

Prestwick Airport recently welcomed a report by Which? that hailed the value of its rail link.
 

read more

Joe Evans



Five new winter routes from Prestwick Glasgow Airport

Wed, 29 Jul, 2009

Low cost air operator Ryanair has announced the commencement of five new routes to be flown out of Prestwick Glasgow Airport.

The routes will be ideal for winter-sun seekers as they cover a number of destinations which offer better weather during the British winter.

Starting in October Ryanair will offer flights to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

Infratil Airport's chief commercial officer Graeme Sweenie said: "Launching five new routes is fantastic news for the airport and passengers alike. Destinations in Spain and the Canaries are always enormously popular in winter and summer.

With Ryanair's proven track record of low fares and excellent on-time performance we would expect these new routes to be amongst the most popular from the airport ."

Prestwick Glasgow airport is located 32 miles from Glasgow city centre and is the fastest growing airport in Scotland, according to the company.

Flights from the Scottish air travel hub go to many worldwide destinations including Barcelona, Pisa and Stockholm.


read more

Joe Evans



Glasgow Prestwick Airport announces "wonderful" late deals

Fri, 29 May, 2009

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has announced details of a number of late deals for holidays to Turkey.

In a statement, the hub said the offers – which are available to a number of resorts – are "wonderful".
All flights go to Dalaman, with package breaks to a range of towns nearby available for purchase.

Deals to Marmaris, Icmeler, Oludeniz and Altinkum are included, with the trips taking place on selected dates between June 15th and July 20th.

Prices start at £219 for a week's stay in the Orkide hotel in Marmaris, which is a three-star bed and breakfast.

Vacations can also be taken for fourteen days in accommodation such as the Miray Hotel, the Alba and Ince Apart.

People interested in booking can do so on the ScotTravel Holidays website.

Those driving to the Scottish hub to take advantage of its airport parking options are advised it is located 32 miles from the city centre.

read more

Joe Evans



Prestwick Airport in financial turmoil

Fri, 23 Jan, 2009

A Scottish airport has begun a three-month review into revenue and costs after revealing it has been hit by the economic downturn.

Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell told the BBC that the airport has been suffering losses for two months.

Speaking to BBS Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, he said: "The intention is certainly to stay open and the 90 days is not linked to the decision to stay open or not."

While stating an intention to try to avoid job losses, he did not rule them out.

2009 is set to be "a difficult year with many challenges", he said.

Prestwick Airport, which is in Glasgow, offers a number of services for airport parking.

As well as saving money by booking online in advance, there is a Special Assistance service for people who need extra help with motility.

There are also car parks for long-term, mid-term and short-term stays.



read more

Joe Evans



Prestwick to Reus service launched

Fri, 04 Apr, 2008

Budget airline Ryanair has commenced flying on a new route between Prestwick Airport and the Spanish town of Reus.

It operates three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays - and fares are available from £24.99 one way, including taxes.

The Spanish airport is located close to the city of Tarragona and is also well situated for people travelling to Barcelona or the beach resorts of the Costa Dorada.

Ashley Casey of Ryanair described Reus as "a fantastic destination for all holidaymakers, rich in the culture of Catalonia, along with years of history".

He added that those qualities would ensure the service proves popular with tourists heading off on short breaks.

In the past few months Ryanair has increased the number of services it operates from Prestwick Airport to 26, with Belfast, the Hungarian capital Budapest and the Lithuanian city of Kaunas among its new destinations.

read more

Joe Evans