This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Encouragement for direct air routes
18/11/2002
Scotland is to benefit from a special fund to cut
landing charges in the hope of speeding up the introduction
of new direct air routes, it was announced today.
The £6 million Route Development Fund will allow the
country's airports to attract a bigger share of Europe's
air travel boom by offering landing charge discounts to
airlines opening up new routes to and from Scotland.
The funding to expand Scotland's airports as a major
tourist and business travel gateway is provided jointly by
the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise. The scheme
will target business and in-bound tourism routes which show
the greatest gains for the Scottish economy.
Speaking at Glasgow Airport, First Minister Jack
McConnell said:
"Developing new air routes is vital if Scotland is to
compete successfully to host more major international
events like Euro 2008. The Executive is also actively
developing stronger trading, research and cultural links
across Europe.
"To capitalise on the economic opportunities these bring
we need good air links. The new routes we want for Scotland
will be an important added stimulus to business and
conference traffic. A smart, successful Scotland set on a
path of economic growth and high skills cannot afford to be
cut off from main markets or from research and development
partners. This is especially important for key economic
sectors such as finance, biotechnology and IT.
"Scottish tourism has huge potential. But all our
investment in marketing and developing Scotland as a
must-see destination will be in vain if our air gateway
lags behind those of competitors. Our new Route Development
Fund will play a big part in giving Scotland an edge in
developing new routes.
"Low-cost airlines have opened up a whole new dimension
to weekend or short breaks. Millions more Europeans are
taking these holidays and by expanding the high yield,
in-bound tourism routes, our industry can win its fare
share.
"The knock on impact of new air routes can transform the
growth potential of the wide range of businesses dependent
on tourism: from hotels and B&Bs to attractions and the
retail sector. The all-year round pattern of short breaks
also allows Scottish tourism to do more to sustain business
and employment over 12 months.
"Iain Gray is working closely with airport operators to
develop these network improvements. The next stage will be
for Scotland's tourism Minister Mike Watson and
visitscotland to make sure that the tourism industry makes
the most of new opportunities and gives the new visitors
the quality of holiday experience that will match the best
in Europe."
Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning
Iain Gray said:
"There was a clear indication from some of the responses
to the current UK aviation consultation that there was a
greater desire for working in partnership. This initiative
is a direct response to the aviation industry's views.
"The current aviation consultation is looking at the air
services of the future. We want to plan ahead, playing to
the strengths of the aviation industry and make the most of
the opportunities increased passenger demand will
bring."
The emphasis of the fund will be on European
destinations serving in-bound tourism and business markets.
Consideration will also be given to assisting domestic
services on some less-used routes from smaller airports
where greater frequency or quality can be introduced. There
are no current plans to introduce transatlantic flights to
the qualifying criteria.