Elite Ayrshire Business Circle marks Liberty Belle’s visit to Prestwick

By: Murdoch MacDonald

Ayrshire, Scotland, 3 July 2008--THE Liberty Belle B-17 Flying Fortress roared out of the clouds and in a spectacular manoeuvre turned on its side in salute and at low altitude swept imperiously across the tarmac of Glasgow Prestwick Airport before landing safely outside the terminal of private jet charter and aircraft handling company Ocean Sky.


[Liberty Belle owner and pilot Don Brooks steps down onto the tarmac at Glasgow Prestwick Airport to be met by South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan and deputy leader Margaret Toner. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The veteran American bomber aircraft made an overnight stop in Ayrshire as part of its 7,800 mile European Tour from its home in Georgia, USA in honour of all veterans of World War II. Piloted by owner Don Brooks, the Liberty Belle will proceed to RAF Duxford in England, arriving tomorrow, 4 July and American Independence Day.

The aircraft played a key role in the fight against Nazi Germany. It has had millions of dollars worth of restoration work performed over the last 20 years, and is one of the last B-17s still flying.


[Welcoming Liberty Belle owner and pilot Don Brooks to Ayrshire. Left to right: John Scott, MSP for Ayr; South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan; Professor Dugald Cameron; Liberty Belle owner and pilot Don Brooks; South Ayrshire Council deputy leader Margaret Toner: and Elite Ayrshire Business Circle managing director Murdoch MacDonald.]

To mark the occasion of the Liberty Belle’s visit to Ayrshire, members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle presented the crew with two prints depicting famous aircraft associated with Scottish aviation history, autographed by the artist Professor Dugald Cameron.

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle managing director Murdoch MacDonald said: “I would like to thank Don Brooks and his crew for the professional and unflappably amiable way in which they dealt with the media and the welcoming crowds. This cannot have been easy after what must have been a long, cold and arduous journey.”

John Scott, MSP for Ayr, South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan and deputy leader Margaret Toner were at the airport to greet Don Brooks and the Liberty Belle crew.

John Scott MSP said: “This was a tremendous occasion, ably organised by Ocean Sky. It was an exciting evening for all of us privileged to be at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. The visit of the Liberty Belle brought back memories of a bygone era, and reminded us of the very special relationship that existed between the United States of America during the Second World War, and which still flourishes today. Seeing the Flying Fortress return to Prestwick was a fitting tribute to the bravery and commitment of the soldiers, sailors and airmen of our two countries during conflicts in the last century, and still evident in foreign wars today.”

Provost Sloan said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be included in the visit of the Liberty Belle, and it was thrilling to actually board the plane and see exactly the conditions the pilot and crew had to work under.

“Although from the outside the plane looks enormous, due to the four large engines and a huge wingspan, the inside told a very different story. It is long and skinny and reminds you of a cigar tube. The fuselage of the plane has no cladding to keep out the cold as in modern planes, and it must have been freezing. I understand the pilots wore ‘electric clothing’ that could be plugged in, to keep them warm!

“Congratulations go to Eddie Allison of Ocean Sky for organising the visit to honour all veterans of the second world war. People need to be reminded what our military personnel fought for, particularly in this day and age when we have troops based in war-torn countries.

“The choice of Prestwick to land the Liberty Belle was truly fitting, due to strong connection with the McIntyres and the Twin Pioneer. South Ayrshire Council really appreciated the publicity created by this wonderful old lady landing in Prestwick, and congratulations are extended to all who made this possible - and particularly to the crew, who were delightful.”

Ocean Sky managing director Eddie Allison said: “Ocean Sky were tipped off that the Liberty Belle was planning a European trip several weeks ago. At that time they had planned to stop at another airfield, so we invited them to consider Prestwick. They agreed, and the result was this historic visit. It is extremely rare to see a B-17, and Ocean Sky were delighted to have hosted the visit.”

LINKS:

www.libertyfoundation.org

www.oceansky.com

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport staff swap planes for white water rafts

FIFTY Glasgow Prestwick Airport staff raised more than £1,000 for a local charity by taking part in the Ayrshire Airport’s second white water rafting event.


[Pictured: Glasgow Prestwick Airport staff, left to right and working from the front of the raft to the back of the raft: Nicholas Rodwell, Andrew Little, Kevin Wright, Jenny Harding, Laura Findlayson, Andy McLauchlan, Stuart McLeod and Kimberley Fisher. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

This year it was the Ayrshire Hospice that benefited, when a cheque for £1,300 was handed over by Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell at the Ayrshire Hospice Summer Ball.

The event, at Aberfeldy on the River Tay, was first held in September last year and was a resounding success, providing the staff with a great day out while also raising money for charities that were chosen by those staff.

Congratulations this year go to winning team The Artful Dodgers, while The Honolulu Honeyz were the last team to cross the finishing line.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell said: “This is a great energetic day out, and because we have so many staff and departments spread over a large area, it also provides them with an ideal opportunity to meet each other and mingle outside the pressures of work.

“The 50 staff who took part can be proud of the fact they managed to raise £1,300 and it was a pleasure to hand this over to the Ayrshire Hospice, a fantastic cause which was chosen by the staff themselves.”

The Airport hosted two tables at the Hospice event, and among the attendees were members of management and employees who had been nominated to recognise their performance and contribution.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport also donated its cardboard Elvis, signed by tribute act Gordon Hendricks and a prominent feature at last year’s staff party, to the silent auction. This raised £120 for the Hospice and has been earmarked as a Christmas present for an Elvis fanatic.

LINKS:

www.glasgowprestwick.com
www.infratil.com
www.ayrshirehospice.org

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There are currently 274 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport reports
increased passenger and freight numbers

GLASGOW PRESTWICK AIRPORT’S performance in May saw year-on-year and month-on-month increases in the number of passengers handled.


[Pictured: Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell.]

A total of 221,840 passengers used the airport during May – this represents rises of 2.5% on May 2007 and 12% on April’s performance.

The main driver for the positive year-on-year variance is increased capacity on a number of existing routes and new Ryanair and Wizz Air destinations, introduced since May last year.

These new destinations include Belfast, Budapest, Cork, Katowice and Poznan, while Ryanair have recently announced three new routes for the coming winter – Malaga, Tenerife and Faro.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport also handled 2,704 tonnes of freight during May, representing an increase of 5% on May 2007.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell said: “This is a pleasing result in what is a challenging economic environment, and paves the way for what we anticipate will be a successful summer.”

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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There are currently 272 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click “SEARCH BLOG”.

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Hellman takes the reins importing
horses at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

WORKING in conjunction with the owners of Ayrshire's Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Infratil Airports, the Prestwick division of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has been building on its success in the handling of horses imported into the UK.


In fact, Hellmann Prestwick has developed such a hassle-free and thriving service for importers that it is now looking set to be rolled out across Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK.

The international equestrian industry is big business, especially when it comes to importing and exporting animals for trade, pleasure and major sporting events such as racing, dressage, show jumping and eventing.


With the UK being a major influence in this industry, imports into the country are high. However with only four Equine Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) equipped to handle the arrival of horses into the UK, the market is highly competitive.

The equine BIP at Prestwick is also the only one based in the north of the UK. As a result, it is seeing a rise in horses being imported, in particular from the USA.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Prestwick branch manager David Yeamans explained: “We have found that many of our customers use Prestwick as an alternative to other equine BIP locations such as Stansted, as it is less congested, both in the air and on the ground, This means there are rarely any delays, which in turn makes Glasgow Prestwick a more cost-effective solution for customers.”

Over the years, Hellmann has gained a high level of expertise and experience in dealing with equine imports and now manages approximately 90 percent of imports that come through the Glasgow Prestwick equine BIP. This has enabled the logistics firm to create strong working relationships with the US exporters, with shippers, and most importantly, with the UK importers. The overriding benefit is that Hellmann can handle all Customs and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) regulations from the Prestwick office, which reduces any additional expense for the importer.

Furthermore, Hellmann has introduced added value services to the product as David Yeamans continued: “We make contact with the shipper and keep the UK importer fully updated on flight times, costs and other important information that they may require. This means that the customer doesn’t have to worry about paperwork or calling airlines for updates. We can also organise horse transportation for customers unable to collect animals from the airport. We have found that importers really appreciate this trouble free experience.”

Now Hellmann, alongside Infratil Airports, is looking to build on this success with plans to develop an equine BIP facility at Kent International Airport, which is also owned by Infratil, on the table.

Infratil Airports group manager freight development Nico Le Roux explained: “We have approached Hellmann Prestwick to manage the proposed equine BIP at Kent International due to the expertise it has shown in handling the Prestwick operations and due to the exceptional relationships it has within the equine industry. It means that Hellmann Prestwick would have 100 per cent control of the Kent equine BIP and provide the same high standards of service that it currently provides in Prestwick.”

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK managing director Martin Meyer concluded: “The fact that Hellmann Prestwick has been offered such a great opportunity is testament to the hard work and dedication we bring to any project, in particular the specialist products we provide such as fashion and automotive. The equine product has the potential to be another string to our bow, and we are very excited by what could unfold as a result of Prestwick’s dedication to this service.”

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is one of the largest privately owned and family run logistical global networks, currently employing over 16,500 dedicated people to serve customers worldwide – and operates from 443 branches across 157 countries.

Hellmann’s UK network has 10 individual offices based throughout the country including state of the art corporate headquarters at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Links:

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK

Glasgow Prestwick Airport

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There are currently 265 Ayrshire business stories permanently archived on this site. To locate those of most interest to you, please use the site search facility in the top left hand corner of this page. Type your search term in the white box, then click "SEARCH BLOG".

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport launches new property website

By: Neil Richardson

GLASGOW PRESTWICK AIRPORT today launched a new microsite which is dedicated exclusively to its property portfolio.

The site complements the airport’s primary website and provides interested parties with information on all available property, including detailed accommodation descriptions, layouts and prices.


[Pictured: Aerial view of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

It also offers a more user-friendly layout and an updated look, and customers can search for property by type or location.

To make navigating the site even easier, the search function includes an interactive airport map that allows users to click on their preferred location and link directly to the details of specific properties.

As a Gateway to Scotland, the airport allows customers to operate more efficiently by capitalising on the connectivity of the airport location to the other main transport infrastructures including rail, sea and road.

With the added benefit of conference and training facilities on site, the airport is the ideal commercial hub for businesses to take advantage of its strategic location.

In addition to the business facilities customers can also take advantage of new food, beverage and retail facilities.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport commercial manager Arlane Fleming said: “This new site gives us greater exposure when it comes to promoting the property assets we have here.

“It contains detailed information about what we have available to lease or rent, and the information is there for anyone who wants it. Potential customers can now search for property outwith office hours if they wish.”

Among the property assets showcased on the new website is the 36-acre residential quarters of the former military base HMS Gannet, comprising 214 rooms and amenities like tennis courts, playing fields and a gym. This would lend itself ideally to hostel-style accommodation or other residential use.

The site also features a commercial area which has a wide variety of self-contained light industrial/commercial and office units with car parking / yard facilities.

To view Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s property website CLICK HERE

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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Elite Ayrshire Business Circle high fliers at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

THE Elite Ayrshire Business Circle members and their guests assembled at Glasgow Prestwick Airport for the Circle’s latest meeting at 8am on Friday 30 May.


[Pictured: Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes (centre) welcomes Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie, left, and South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan, right. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION]

They were treated to a fascinating presentation by Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell (pictured below), which highlighted the airport’s importance as a major hub of the local and Scottish economies.


The presentation was followed by a tour of the airport, which included several of the parts that everyday passengers do not reach.

Guests at the meeting included John Scott, MSP for Ayr, several leading local politicians from both South and East Ayrshire Councils, and many prominent entrepreneurs and business people either located in or with a business interest in Ayrshire.

As is the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle custom, they were each afforded the opportunity of giving a brief presentation about their own organisation to the assembled membership.


[Pictured: five of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle's stalwart founder members: Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie; Andrew Sinclair, Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants; Graeme Ferguson, Kestrel Press Ltd; Bill Inglis, PALIGAP Creative Marketing Agency; and Stephen Wilkie, Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants.]

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle managing director Murdoch MacDonald said: “We are all very grateful to Mark Rodwell and his team for arranging and running such an enjoyable and illuminating morning’s visit.

“The quiet efficiency with which Glasgow Prestwick Airport is run sometimes tends to disguise what a complex operation it is.

“It’s success is inextricably intertwined with that of Ayrshire’s economy as a whole, and it is undoubtedly one of Ayrshire business’s most valuable assets.

“I would also like to thank John Scott MSP for Ayr and South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan for their continuing support, as well as our other guests from the worlds of politics and business who were joining us today for the first time.

"In particular, Provost Stephanie Young (pictured below) and Councillor Tom Cook of East Ayrshire Council, who both gave us a valuable update on current developments in their area, notably the ongoing regeneration of Kilmarnock town centre."


Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes said: “Today we enjoyed another record attendance. The Circle is proving to be very popular with local businesses who see it as a unique way to enhance their business profile and to network with like-minded business people.

“Our very popular websites provide the unique capability to quickly disseminate business information on the Internet, and are designed to enhance search engine rankings of all participants.

“We are delighted by the interest in the Circle which has been shown by the local Councils and politicians, and hope that with economic development now devolved to local government, we can rapidly develop this relationship further to our mutual advantage, and, more importantly, to the greater benefit of the Ayrshire economy as a whole.”

Guests at the latest Elite Ayrshire Business Circle meeting (click on hyperlinks to view their respective websites):

John Scott, MSP for Ayr
Winifred Sloan, Provost, South Ayrshire Council
Councillor Hywel Davies, South Ayrshire Council
Stephanie Young, Provost, East Ayrshire Council
Councillor Tom Cook, East Ayrshire Council
James Hawkins, Stewart Corporate Travel (part of Stewart Travel)
Allan Ross, First Independent Finance (asset finance brokers)
Tony Flint, Culzean Autoclassica (international heritage motoring event)
John Matthews, Editor, Ayrshire Extra
Alan McLeish, QTS Group
Stuart McCallum, Thomson McCallum Financial Consultancy
George Haye, Orchard Homes Scotland
Glenn Fulton, Graham Group Ltd
Jim Sproat, Community People
Kenny McLeod, Rockwood Homes
Stewart Mackay, Rockwood Homes




Links:
OpenPress I-Newswire FreePress 24/7
PR-GB ClickPress UKPRWire PressBox

Photographs by:
Graeme Pollock Photography

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is in the process of creating an
archive of its photographs on Flickr, the online photo management and
sharing application.

The archive can be viewed at:

www.flickr.com/photos/eliteayrshirebusinesscircle/

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle profile is at:

www.flickr.com/people/eliteayrshirebusinesscircle/

The archive will be added to in the weeks to come.

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport introduces
four new sunshine holiday air routes

By: Neil Richardson

RYANAIR has today (Thursday 29 May) announced three new destinations from Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire.

From the end of October Ryanair will operate flights to the popular sunshine destinations of Malaga, Tenerife and Faro. Seats are already on sale at www.ryanair.com

The announcement further strengthens Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s route network, bringing the total number of scheduled destinations operated by Ryanair to 29 following several new route announcements in the last year.

Ryanair will also introduce an additional daily flight on their Belfast service, which currently operates once a day.


Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell (pictured above) commented: “Today’s announcement once again demonstrates Ryanair’s commitment to expand and offer the best choice of European routes from Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“These new destinations have always been popular among Scots holidaymakers, and it is great news that they will now be available throughout winter, with Ryanair’s low fares making them even more attractive.

“The Belfast service has performed well in the business and leisure markets since its introduction last year, and the additional daily flight offers passengers on that route more flexibility.”

Ryanair’s sales and marketing manager for the UK and Ireland Bridget Dowling said: “Over two million passengers travelling from Glasgow Prestwick Airport this year will save over £100 million by choosing Ryanair’s guaranteed lowest fares over our competitors.

“This latest route expansion will deliver low fares to Faro, Malaga and Tenerife. Our existing routes will meanwhile provide passengers with lower fares and better punctuality compared to the high fares levied by British Airways and Easyjet in Scotland.

“To celebrate these new routes, we are giving away seats from £10 one-way for travel in June and July, and we recommend passengers to book these £10 seats immediately on www.ryanair.com as demand for these guaranteed lowest fares will ensure that they're snapped up quickly.”

Holiday flights to Turkey from Scottravel

And holiday flights from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Turkey started up this week, with the first sunseekers flying out on Monday 26 May.


[Pictured from left: Glasgow Prestwick Airport staff Louise Muir, John Kennedy, Gillian McPherson and (far right) Nicola Clark with Robert and Freda Sweeny from Winton Street, Ardrossan, passengers on the first Scottravel flight to Dalaman in Turkey. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

And the people behind the flights to Dalaman, Scottravel Holidays, have some great offers for passengers looking to travel in June.


[Pictured: early passengers to Dalaman - sisters Jessica and Jasmin Bradford from Barbieston Road, Auchinleck, with their grandmother Grace Bradford.]

The Lanarkshire-based firm will fly once a week over the summer season to Dalaman, which serves the popular and lively resort of Marmaris, its laid-back sister resort Icmeler, and also the Fethiye region which includes Olu Deniz and Ovacik/Hisaronu.


[Pictured: early Dalaman passengers Helen and Calum Keenan from Marina Road, Prestwick, with Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s Gillian McPherson (centre). This is the first trip to Turkey for the Keenans. Calum is a human resources officer with South Ayrshire Council and Helen is a lecturer at Strathclyde University.]

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell commented: “It’s great news that we can add Turkey to our growing range of summer holiday options for 2008.

“Many holidaymakers are now turning their attention away from the more traditional European destinations due to a very unfavourable exchange rate from the pound to the Euro.

“This makes Turkey a more attractive proposition to visit, not to mention the soaring summer temperatures it gets. We have worked with Scottravel Holidays before, and look forward to working with them over the summer.”

Scottravel Holidays managing director Serkan Aydin added: “Turkey is a vast country which is steeped in history and culture. The hospitality is also exceptional, and provides visitors with the warm Turkish welcome that our clients enjoy so much.

“We have extensive knowledge of the best holiday resorts, accommodation and facilities which means we can create the perfect Turkish adventure to suit all tastes and budgets.”

Scottravel is online at www.scottravelholidays.co.uk or call 01698 745522 seven days a week, Monday - Saturday 9am to 6pm; and Sunday
11am to 4pm.

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport wins top cargo award

By: Neil Richardson

AYRSHIRE’S Glasgow Prestwick Airport has won a top industry award for its cargo capability at a glittering ceremony in London.

The airport triumphed at the 25th annual Air Cargo News awards which took place in the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

More than 500 of the industry’s top executives from all over the world were in attendance to see Glasgow Prestwick named Best Cargo Airport (up to 100,000 tonnes per year).


[Pictured: Allan McQuarrie (left) and Nico Le Roux, who make up the airport’s Freight Development Team, with the trophy.]

Nico Le Roux and Allan Macquarie, who are in charge of Freight Development for Infratil Airports Europe, received the award on behalf of the airport.

The award winners have to meet a number of criteria related to volume growth and marketing activity, before the views of industry experts are taken into account when deciding the final results.

Nico Le Roux, Group Manager Freight Development, 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 turnaround times and our team’s ability to easily handle large and unusual items.”

The recognition comes only days after Glasgow Prestwick announced a strong cargo performance for the year ending March 2008.

A strong emphasis upon freight development has paid off for Glasgow Prestwick, which currently handles around 20 Boeing 747 freighters during an average week.

The March total of 3,260 tonnes marks a 5% improvement on March 2007 and a 34% increase on February’s total.

Freight has also increased year on year with the 31,735 tonnes handled between April 2007 and March 2008 representing a 4% increase on the previous 12 months.

www.glasgowprestwick.com

www.aircargonews.net

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport re-opens
Ayrshire’s gateway to South of France

By: Neil Richardson

GLASGOW PRESTWICK AIRPORT is delighted to announce that its gateway to the south of France reopened today (Thursday 1 May).

Ryanair’s direct low cost service to Marseille will carry thousands of Scots to the warmth of the Mediterranean over the summer, and Glasgow Prestwick Airport is expected to handle an additional 40,000 passengers as a result.


Among the passengers on the first Marseille flight of 2008 were Ian and Eleanor Macdonald from Irvine (pictured above), who booked up in January for a 10-day barge tour in the Marseille area.

Ian and Eleanor were chosen at random from the passengers to receive a bottle of champagne and a pair of return flights to Marseille to mark the occasion.


[Pictured: Eleanor and Ian MacDonald with GPA marketing executive Louise Muir (left) and GPA marketing manager Gillian McPherson (right). CLICK ON EITHER IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The flights operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and an early departure time from Scotland means visitors to the region can make the most of their first full day there.

An ideal climate and location make Marseille a versatile destination – take in the splendour of France’s second city and largest port, or use it as a gateway to Provence, and the Provencal way of life, by visiting spots such as Aix-en-Provence or Saint Tropez which, while quieter, are no less impressive.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell said: “It is great to see the Marseille flights are back for the summer, as it is a fantastic destination for a holiday or even a short break.

“Marseille and Provence are areas that have something for everyone, with amazing coastal scenery and there is enough to satisfy those with a passion for art, history, culture, nightlife, sport and great food and drink.”

Ryanair’s UK sales and marketing executive Ashley Casey added: “We are delighted to welcome back today this service from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Marseille, a popular destination for holidaymakers and second home owners. Marseille adds to the fantastic range of European destinations we now offer from Glasgow Prestwick Airport at guaranteed lowest fares.

“To celebrate Ryanair is offering flights from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Marseille from £10.00* as well as some exciting European destinations from as little as £5.00* one-way including airport taxes and charges.

“Jet off to Belfast, Stockholm (Skavsta) or Barcelona (Reus) for just £5.00 from Glasgow Prestwick Airport! This unbelievable offer must end at midnight on Thursday 8 May, so we urge passengers to log onto www.ryanair.com and book immediately!”

Ryanair swapped the Marseille service for flights to Grenoble over the winter months, offering ski enthusiasts the chance their first ever ski route out of Glasgow Prestwick Airport during the winter months, when they offered winter sports enthusiasts the cheapest fares to Grenoble.

* Flights subject to availability.

www.glasgowprestwick.com
www.infratil.com
www.ryanair.com

Glasgow Prestwick Airport reports increasing
passenger numbers and freight figures

By: Neil Richardson

Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s performance in March signalled a strong end to the 2007/08 financial year.


The Ayrshire airport handled 192,142 passengers in March against 180,978 during the same month in 2007 - a year on year rise of 6%, and a 16% improvement on February’s performance.

Glasgow Prestwick handled 2,426,630 passengers from April 2007 to March 2008 – a marginal improvement on last year’s total.

New destinations that have started operating from the airport in the last year include Katowice, Belfast, Budapest, Cork and Poznan, with several of the new links exclusive to Scotland.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell said the results once again demonstrate the importance of the airport to the Ayrshire and Scottish economies, particularly in terms of tourism and employment.

It is only weeks since Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond attended the launch of an economic study which found that inbound visitors using Glasgow Prestwick generate £173 million of expenditure, while the airport’s presence accounts for 3,000 jobs in Scotland.


Mark Rodwell (pictured above) commented: “It is pleasing to see growth in the passenger sector, particularly after we discovered how important foreign visitors are to the Ayrshire and Scottish economies.

“Several new services have been introduced over the last 12 months and are performing well, which is encouraging as we move towards the peak summer season.”


A strong focus on developing the freight business is also starting to pay off, with the airport now breaking the 3,000 tonne barrier on a more regular basis.


The March total of 3,260 tonnes marks a 5% improvement on March 2007 and a 34% increase on February’s total.

Freight has also increased year on year with the 31,735 tonnes handled between April 2007 and March 2008 representing a 4% increase on the previous 12 months.

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport staff celebrate St Patrick’s Day

WORKERS at Glasgow Prestwick Airport got into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day on Monday 17 March by dressing up in the hope of winning flights to the Emerald Isle.


More than 40 flights now leave the airport every week bound for six popular Irish destinations – Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Shannon, Derry are served by Ryanair and Donegal by Aer Arann.


Both airlines donated flight tickets as prizes for the best dressed personnel, and the winners were –

Andrea Rae : Information Desk : Cork

Carrie Paterson : Ticket Desk : Belfast

Ian Harding : Security : Donegal

Martha Harvey : Sercon (cleaners) : Shannon

Sharon Smith : SSP (Yates’s Bar) : Derry

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is located 32 miles south of Glasgow City Centre and celebrated its 70th birthday in 2005.

The airport currently handles approximately 2.5 million passengers per year and offers more than 30 scheduled services to European destinations, as well as charter flights to popular holiday spots. Glasgow Prestwick has excellent road and rail links to the rest of Scotland.

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Winnie Spiers retires from Glasgow Prestwick Airport after 15 years

By: Neil Richardson

WINNIE SPIERS retired on Friday 14 March after spending the last 15 years serving customers in the terminal building at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.


[Pictured above: Winnie (centre) with WH Smith assistant manager William Anderson and Martha Harvey from airport cleaning company Sercon. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE ON THIS PAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Winnie was first employed by the airport newsagent and more recently by WH Smith who have one store landside and one in the departure lounge.

Winnie, who is 60 and from Prestwick, also previously worked for BAE Systems in Prestwick.


Staff from WH Smith, Glasgow Prestwick Airport and other on-site companies gathered on Friday 14 March to say cheerio to Winnie and present her with flowers. Her WH Smith colleagues also joined her for a meal at Elliots in Prestwick on Tuesday 18 March.

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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Elite Ayrshire Business Circle members
and guests discuss the Budget

THE latest meeting of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle took place at 8.30am on Friday 14 March 2008 in the board room of the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Alloway Street, Ayr.


Guests at the meeting included John Scott, MSP for Ayr, South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan and deputy leader Margaret Toner, Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell, and local newspaper Ayrshire Extra editor John Matthews.


Members and guests heard an expert and entertaining analysis by Andrew Sinclair (pictured above) of Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants about the implications both for individuals and for businesses of Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling’s first Budget, which had been presented to Parliament two days earlier on Wednesday 12 March 2008.

Andrew’s presentation was followed by a comprehensive overview of likely future trends in interest rates, commodity prices and inflation given by Neil Wilson of the Clydesdale Bank’s Treasury Department.

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle managing director Murdoch MacDonald commented: “It was gratifying that once again so many members and our distinguished guests managed to find time to attend our latest meeting. I think this shows that key Ayrshire businesses are enthusiastic in pursuing our stated mission to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence in Ayrshire and to present a united shop window to the world.”


Elite Ayrshire Business Circle executive chairman Norman Geddes (above left) welcomes John Scott, MSP for Ayr.


Norman Geddes with South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan (above centre) and deputy leader Margaret Toner.


Norman Geddes with Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell (above centre) and Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre managing partner Willie Mackie.


Elite Ayrshire Business Circle members (above, left to right) Stephen Wilkie, partner at Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants; David Kennedy, senior partner at Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre, Ayr; Graeme Ferguson, director of Kestrel Press Ltd; and Ian Warnock, managing director of MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers.


Pictured above, left to right: South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan and deputy leader Margaret Toner with Ayrshire Extra editor John Matthews.

Photography by:

Graeme Pollock
Tel: 07792 327693
E-mail: graeme@pollock1968.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.GraemePollock.com

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Ayrshire’s Glasgow Prestwick Airport accounts for 3,000 Scottish jobs

SCOTLAND'S First Minister Alex Salmond today (Tuesday March 11) visited Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire, where he was presented with a new study which reveals that the airport accounts for nearly 3,000 jobs in Scotland.


[Scotland's First Minister is welcomed by Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell.]

The study also shows that total expenditure associated with the airport is well in excess of £200 million per annum, with £173 million generated by inbound visitors to Scotland who use it.

The First Minister expressed an interest in visiting Glasgow Prestwick Airport after it responded effectively to the attempted terrorist attack on Glasgow Abbotsinch Airport in June 2007. Security was quickly tightened and numerous additional passenger flights were handled when Glasgow Abbotsinch closed.

The First Minister Alex Salmond said: “My visit to Prestwick today is a reflection of my Government’s gratitude to the airport for its excellent support and help during last year’s terror attacks on Glasgow Airport.

“It was a testing time for Scotland, most notably for our airports and emergency services. Glasgow Prestwick played a key role in enabling Scotland to remain open for business with minimum disruption to travellers.

“The importance and value of Glasgow Prestwick Airport as a gateway to Scotland was again highlighted during this period. I would like to thank all staff for extending their welcome and first class service to the many redirected passengers and visitors from around the world throughout the terror attacks.

“I have been presented today with an economic report prepared by the airport which I will read with great interest. We are clear that our number one priority as a Government is to increase sustainable economic growth.

“Airports are a key driver in this – in terms of securing and growing business and tourism links as well as job creation in the aviation and customer service industries.”


[Mark Rodwell, left, and Alex Salmond, right, meet Glasgow Prestwick Airport Skillseeker Skillseeker Charmaine Taggart, centre.]

The First Minister met with airport management before attending the launch of the economic benefits study, which was carried out by Edinburgh-based SQW Consulting.


[Piture shows left to right: John Scott, MSP for Ayr, Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell, First Minister Alex Salmond, Leader of South Ayrshire Council Hugh Hunter and Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council.]

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell commented: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Salmond to the airport for the first time as First Minister, as we release the results of this economic study.

“Along with our partners South Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise, we felt the timing was right to commission the study as a prelude to the launch of our draft Master Plan, that will see us enter into a period of public consultation about the airport’s future.

“The findings of the study show how important the airport has become, particularly to Ayrshire but also to Scotland as a whole, in terms of generating employment, tourism, expenditure and investment, as well as providing valuable connectivity around Europe.”

Glasgow Prestwick employs 480 staff, while activity at the airport is responsible for 1,733 jobs in Ayrshire and 2,941 jobs in Scotland (this total includes Ayrshire).

In 2007 Glasgow Prestwick handled 2.4 million passengers but if the airport was not here, the study estimates that approximately 240,000 incoming passengers would have been lost to Scotland and approximately 780,000 lost to Ayrshire.

Under this scenario, some of the activity and therefore economic value would be transferred elsewhere in Scotland and Europe and therefore not lost to the wider economy, although most of it would be lost to Ayrshire.

Economic value is often measured by Gross Value Added (GVA) rather than the total expenditure generated by a business. GVA is the value of wages and profits generated; it does not take into account the value of goods and services brought in and consumed in production, making it lower than expenditure.

It is estimated that GPA creates £48 million GVA in Ayrshire and £79 million GVA in Scotland.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, commented: “South Ayrshire Council values the strong contribution that Prestwick Airport makes to the Scottish economy, supporting jobs and aerospace innovation.

“Tourism is an economic growth sector in Scotland, and I welcome the opportunity the airport provides in linking South Ayrshire to business and visitor centres in the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond.

“The airport will be a great asset in welcoming visitors to South Ayrshire in 2009 to enjoy the Homecoming celebrations, to discover Burns country, play golf and enjoy the many facilities and outstanding scenery that we have to offer."

Scottish Enterprise operations director Evelyn McCann added: “A fundamental part of any country’s ambitions for economic growth is the need for high quality physical infrastructure. Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) plays a significant role in ensuring that Scotland is a globally attractive location.

“The importance of the airport as a tourist gateway and a hub for the aerospace industry is clear. New routes through GPA and its continuing expansion have had a significant and positive impact on overseas visitor numbers to Ayrshire and Scotland and it has also played a key role in developing our cluster of successful aerospace businesses.”

As part of the study a survey of 1,000 Ayrshire businesses was taken. This survey showed:

* More than half of all respondents feel the airport is important to their business performance and nearly a fifth think it very important or critical.

* Among businesses that have moved to the area from elsewhere, the airport’s presence is important to 18%.

* Without the airport 20% of respondents would make fewer trips, meaning trips still made would be at greater cost in terms of time and money.

* 8% would face major problems without the freight service.

www.glasgowprestwick.com

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where Ayrshire business news breaks first!

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport personnel manage to get lean

EIGHT Glasgow Prestwick Airport employees have graduated from the Lean Management Programme, run by Accelerate, a company who specialises in streamlining companies and organisations to make them more ‘lean’. In the run up to busy Easter and summer holidays, the programme will help make processes more efficient for the operational and supervisory employees at the Airport.


[Picture shows Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s lean mean recruitment team (left to right, front to back) Susan Lynn, Gordon Hainey, Kenny Carter, Angela Hood, Elaine Anderson, Andy Barclay, Katie Kilgour and Alan McGeachie.]

Lean Management is a term familiar to some 90% of manufacturing businesses throughout the UK, and most will have undertaken some type of intervention, set to improve productivity thus improving profitability


The airport’s participation in the course, which lasted for six months, was driven by chief executive Mark Rodwell (pictured above) and it aims to improve the efficiency of current recruitment processes within the airport.

In 2007, there was a 15% staff turnover and it was taking in some cases up to 45 weeks to complete the recruitment process, partly due to security measures and checks put in place and applying to Disclosure Scotland, for vetting and barring of candidates.

Since the Lean Management programme has been completed, the team is now working on the completion of the website, which will feature a Careers section. This feature will allow candidates to view different career paths available at the Airport, apply for jobs, as well as help to speed up the recruitment process by applying earlier to Disclosure Scotland, prior to attending any interviews.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport human resources manager Sonia Rafferty said: “We decided it was a good idea to get involved in the Lean Management programme as we were reviewing our recruitment process and feel that taking part will help us not only to recruit the best person for the job, but also that the recruitment process will take considerably less time than it does at the moment.

“The new part of the website, which is due to launch in July, will allow us to speed up the process of applications and become a more efficient function within the airport.”

By introducing lean practices and procedures in 2009, Glasgow Prestwick Airport will save nearly £30,000 through a reduction in paper waste, overtime, sickness and agency fees and switching to a CD Rom handbook, and has already cut down its carbon footprint as a result of reduced paperwork.

Sonia Rafferty added: “The new process has enabled us to cut down the time taken to complete the administration by approximately 29 weeks in the worst case scenario, to get an employee started, and also cuts down on paperwork.”

Scottish Enterprise Glasgow’s operations director, Stuart Patrick concluded: “Last year, the 23 companies who took part in our Lean programme, reported productivity gains worth more than £2.5 million. It is one of our most successful products, providing targeted, minimal intervention for maximum business return.”

Glasgow Prestwick Airport was Scotland’s fastest-growing airport from 2000–2005 and offers low cost scheduled flights to more than 30 European destinations. In 2007 the airport handled 2.4 million passengers.

P&R Accelerate Ltd has a very experienced Lean Management team who have been delivering Scotland’s largest Lean Improvement programme since 2003. The highly acclaimed “Lean Management Thinking” Programme has delivered over £25m in productivity improvements throughout Scotland involving almost 300 companies. P&R Accelerate has also been involved in leading successful Lean Management Programmes across the North of England, Yorkshire, West Midlands and Wales

For further information about the Lean Management programme, please visit www.pracc.co.uk
For further information about Prestwick Airport, please visit www.glasgowprestwick.com