TALKS are under way between the head of Glasgow Airport, airlines and the Scottish Government over how to fill the gap left by the demise of Flyglobespan.
Aviation analysts said the Scottish carrier’s collapse is likely to be most keenly felt at Glasgow, where it accounted for nearly one in 13 passengers last year.
The airport lost 72,000 passengers in October, with little sign of the downward trend that set in around September last year halting.
The airport’s managing director, Amanda McMillan, held talks with officials from the Government’s Transport Directorate over offering joint support to help airlines establish routes that were axed from yesterday.
Of the 13 destinations served by Flyglobespan, only one – to Hurghada, Egypt – was not served by any other airline.
Virgin Atlantic, Thomas Cook and Thomson
are to increase their schedules and Ms McMillan said she was confident others would follow. However, some industry sources were less sure that any incoming airlines would provide the same level of service as Flyglobespan.
“Airlines are a lot more cautious now. They want to see a lot more information and are less likely to have a ‘try it and see’ attitude,” said Roddy McPhee, chairman in Scotland of the Association of British Travel Agents.
Laurie Price, director of aviation strategy at Mott Macdonald, said of Flyglobespan’s demise: “Potentially, Glasgow will be harder hit. Edinburgh has got
a more standalone market. It also doesn’t have the competition from Prestwick.”
One option under discussion is a match-funding arrangement whereby BAA will provide investment alongside the Scottish Government to help airlines set up new routes.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said it was unable
to offer financial assistance to airlines but was discussing options with them.
