Airport expansion welcome, but environment must be a priority

3.45.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Jo quizzed bosses at Glasgow Airport during the consultation phase of BAA Scotland's master plan

BAA Scotland today unveiled its 'master plan' for the development of Glasgow Airport over the next 25 years. Commenting on the release of the master plan Jo said:

"The expansion of Glasgow Airport is welcome news for Scottish travellers and the Scottish economy, but lessening the environmental impact must be a priority.

"The creation of more direct international air routes will allow a reduction in the number of short haul connecting flights within the UK, removing the need for Scottish passengers to travel abroad via congested London airports.

"It is clear that there must be an incentive for the airlines using the expanded airport to ensure that their planes are fully utilised. This is why the Liberal Democrats support the replacement of individual air passenger duty with a tax on the environmental impact of each aircraft.

"By making the green tax switch, it would be possible to reconcile the benefits of expansion with a responsibility for the environment.

"For my constituents in East Dunbartonshire, It will be important should flight volumes increase to monitor the situation regarding noise levels for residents affected in Bearsden and Milngavie, particularly at night and during the busy summer season. I don't wish to see any residents' quality of life seriously compromised by the expansion.

"Expansion can have major benefits, but if Glasgow Airport is to grow, it must do so sustainably and responsibly."

According to BAA Scotland, the benefits of the expansion include:

• £290m ten year capital investment

• £25m extension of main terminal, starting spring 2007

• New £30m second international pier

• 8 million international visitors by 2030

• Over 7,000 new jobs at the airport; thousands more around the country

Related Links:

Liberal Democrats' Green Tax Switch campaign

British Airports Authority homepage