MP encouraged by continuing rise in Prestwick
passenger figures
Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe says he is ‘very encouraged’ at the latest figures from Glasgow Prestwick airport, which reveal that scheduled passenger numbers have increased for the sixth consecutive month.
However, when charter passenger numbers are taken into account, figures have fallen by seven per cent on the same time last year, as a result of the collapse of Seguro.
Ryanair launched three new services at the end of the month. These are to popular holiday destinations: Tenerife, Malaga and Faro. These destinations have been traditionally served by the charter market in the west of Scotland and sales are strong.
As expected, freight figures are reduced compared to the same time last year, with the airport handling 1,448 tonnes - 45 per cent down on last October. This is seen as being consistent with monthly results since June, when Atlas / Polar – Prestwick’s largest freight customer - ceased operations.
Mr Donohoe says: ‘I believe Prestwick is an important motor for the
local economy and jobs market. The airport is building on its strengths, and
I believe it is vitally important that they continue to build the scheduled
passenger numbers. Obviously I am disappointed that freight figures are down,
but that will be the case well into next year, when the effects of the loss
of Atlas / Polar will have diminished. So overall I am very encouraged by
the results’.