Rival Glasgow airport chief says scrap subsidy for Prestwick
and anti- competitive subsidy" given to its main rival.
must be scrapped as it benefits Ryanair, the airport’s main carrier, at the expense
of other airlines.
fund and do more to support all of Scotland’s airports as they compete against
other European countries that are being given greater protection by their governments.
rail line to the development fund. Currently, the terms of the ScotRail franchise
set by the Government means passengers who have an air ticket to Prestwick receive
a discount.
BAA, while Prestwick is owned by Infratil Airports Europe.
Airport including a multi-million-pound boost to be announced in the near future.
must be restored if Scotland is not to be left behind other European countries
including small ones such as Cyprus.
in Europe. Scottish ministers tell us there is no money. Why not start by scrapping
the public subsidy, through ScotRail, of the Prestwick Airport rail link? This
unfair and anti-competitive subsidy provides free or discounted fares for anyone
travelling with ScotRail to Prestwick.
by Graeme Sweenie, Prestwick’s chief commercial officer. He said it would be a
"significant catalyst in bringing new routes and visitors to Scotland".
At a time when Scotland is struggling to attract visitors, the last thing we want
to do is make it difficult for them to get to their onward destinations."
transport spokesman Charlie Gordon, who called for investment in Scotland’s airports.
"Scotland deserves a 21st-century transport network," he said.
for train transport to Prestwick Airport for those with a flight booking to encourage
use of rail to access flights, particularly for new routes. Any change to this
arrangement would run counter to Government policy to encourage passengers to
make greater use of sustainable transport."