Politicians plead for investor at Prestwick Airport

Nov 23 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Our airport can be Scotland’s best.

But Prestwick needs help to stop it falling on aviation’s scrapheap.

That’s the view of Ayrshire politicians who’ve joined forces to call on vital investment at the site.

The airport, which has plummeted in value, is now available for a cut-price £10.5 million.

Owners Infratil have confessed interest has been minimal since the airport went on the market in March.

Now they desperately need a new investor to take the property off their hands.

Central Ayrshire MP, Brian Donohoe, urged: “Prestwick needs a big player to come in – someone who is experienced in the running of airports.

“There’s no point in a new buyer seeing Prestwick as a chance to asset strip.

“It’s a site with huge potential and it is still one of the best airports in the country.

“It has a direct rail link to Glasgow and, in terms of accessibility, boasts things that other airports simply cannot match.

“I would want someone to come in with the clear understanding that investment is needed.

“We’re talking about investment of £10 million – and sooner rather than later.”

New Zealand firm Infratil bought Prestwick for more than £33 million in 2001 but their investment has not returned as hoped.

They finally put the site on sale this year, along with their other UK airport in Kent, which has also failed to sell.

Ayr MSP John Scott added: “The marking down of the airport’s price represents a huge opportunity for potential investors.

“This is a great chance to buy what we know to be Scotland’s finest airport at what appears to be a knock-down cost.

“Some will find it tough to be positive about the future when the asking price continues to fall, but I strongly believe that future exists.

“Prestwick is a great opportunity for someone, of that there is no doubt.”