A report commissioned by BAA Scottish Airports from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute revealed that Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports generate £1.5 billion worth of output across the Scottish economy.

Highlands and Islands Airports, which operates 10 airports in the North and West of Scotland, earlier this year commissioned its own economic impact survey from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The report’s findings are due to be published in October.

Bob Macleod, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports says: "We welcome this report that recognises the economic contribution of these three city airports and look forward to the result of Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s study into the contribution being made by our own 10 airports. We provide and maintain efficient, economic and safe infrastructure at these airports which offer vital social, business and welfare links for some of the remotest communities in Scotland.

"An important part of our remit from the Scottish Executive is to encourage local economic development and we are working in partnership with the communities we serve to achieve this. We will continue to invest in our facilities to ensure they provide portals for travel, tourism, marketing and business and help to sustain inclusive communities in the Highlands and Islands. The findings of our report will undoubtedly help to shape future strategy in these areas."

Highlands and Islands Airports this week announced a £1.8 million resurfacing project for the runway at Islay airport. The project will involve resurfacing the airport’s 1,500 metre runway and will extend the life of the facility by 25 years. The Construction Centre Group has been awarded the contract to carry out the £1,796,000 project with work expected to start in mid-September and scheduled to last up to 12 weeks.

Islay Airport catered for more than 20,000 passengers and handled 2,294 aircraft movements last year. It is the busiest airport in Highlands and Islands Airports’ southern region that includes Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree.

ENDS