Prestwick Airport on cloud nine over award

May 14 2008 Ayrshire Post

PRESTWICK Airport chiefs are celebrating winning a top award.

They scooped a coveted title at one of the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremonies.

More than 500 of the country’s top executives were on hand to see Prestwick named the best cargo airport in the UK at the Air Cargo News Awards.

The award follows an upturn in business at the Ayrshire airport, with a four per cent increase in business over the last year.

Airport freight boss Nico Le Roux said: “It is a fantastic achievement for us to win this as it is right up there with the industry’s top awards and shows just how highly Glasgow Prestwick is regarded by the people who matter.

“The last year has seen an improvement in volume after the market suffered a difficult couple of years.

“Cargo operators are attracted by the airport’s perfect geographical location, fast turn-around times and our ability to easily handle large and unusual items.”

The airport currently handles around 20 Boeing 747 freighters during an average week — that’s around 31,735 tonnes.

Ayr MSP John Scott is so delighted at the news he lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament highlighting the achievement. He said: “This award is very welcome news and a clear testament to the hard work of the management and workforce at Prestwick Airport. It is always good to see Prestwick Airport continuing to consolidate its position and building on its reputation. This latest achievement should help strengthen that reputation even further.”

And his view was echoed by Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe.

He added: “I am excited that the upward trend at Glasgow Prestwick continues and I congratulate all the team at the airport who work so hard to achieve the growth of freight.

“This is good news, not just for the airport but for the whole of Ayrshire and will lead to a stable base for employment.”