Ryanair announce £8 million investment and 200 jobs for Prestwick

Feb 19 2010 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HUNDREDS of new jobs will be created at Prestwick Airport.

Bucket airline Ryanair revealed that the Ayrshire base beat off competition from across Europe to become the new home for their new £8 million maintenance hanger.

First Minister Alex Salmond was at the airport for the announcement on Wednesday morning.

He explained that the project is being supported with the offer of £1.5 million in government funding and training grants.

He said: “The Scottish Government is doing all that it can to create jobs and investment in Scotland and this new Ryanair facility will deliver 200 new jobs to Ayrshire and invest £8 million into the Scottish economy.

“I am delighted that Ryanair is strengthening its operations in Scotland and this announcement shows that Ayrshire has the quality infrastructure and skilled workforce to secure this major project, having fought-off competition from a number of European locations.

“The Scottish Government is investing £1.5 million in this £8 million project, which demonstrates Ryanair's commitment to Ayrshire and builds on Prestwick's reputation as a centre for European excellence in maintenance, repair and overhaul projects.”

The 6000 square metre hanger will be the company’s second maintenance facility at Prestwick, which currently employs more than 200 people.

Collectively they will maintain the Ryanair’s fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary added: “Ryanair wishes to thank First Minister Salmond, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Prestwick Airport for their help and support in winning this new hangar and these 200 new jobs for Ayrshire and Scotland despite intense competition from five other European airports.

“Ryanair's new maintenance hangar at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, will create 200 new engineering jobs, in addition to the 2,200 local jobs which have already been created and sustained in Ayrshire as a direct result of Ryanair's base and our existing hangar facility at Glasgow Prestwick.”

And the airport’s chief executive Tom Wilson insists that it’s great news for Ayrshire.

He explained: “I'm delighted that Ryanair has again demonstrated a massive long-term commitment to the airport, Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economies. The initiatives taken by the Scottish Government to secure this investment assure many more long-term careers can be developed at this fantastic new facility.”

Ayr MSP John Scott says that the news underlines Prestwick position as a leading provider of aircraft maintenance services.

He said: “This is brilliant news for Prestwick. Aside from the very significant and welcome number of new jobs that it will bring to the area, it also cements the Prestwick aerospace cluster’s reputation as a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services.”

And MSP Adam Ingram echoed his view adding: “The Scottish Government is investing £1.5 million in this £8 million project as we aim to increase sustainable economic growth by investing in our vibrant aerospace industry and creating new quality jobs in the South West of Scotland.”

However, welcoming the news Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe cautioned against their airport relying solely on Ryanair’s business.

He pointed out: “I am still concerned that the airport should not rely entirely on Ryanair, and I would say this to other airlines ‘The fact that Ryanair has chosen to maintain such a large portion of its fleet at Prestwick is an indication that the airport is extremely competitive compared to others around Europe.

‘I also know that the quality of the workforce here is second to none, and I would stress other advantages, such as a rail link – which Glasgow International for example does not have – and a micro-climate that leaves Prestwick largely fog-free.’

“I believe there are several other airlines out there who would be wise to follow Ryanair’s example and take advantage of this excellent facility.”