Budget airline to create 150 jobs at new Glasgow Airport base

Published on Tuesday 14 September 2010 12:42

A LOW-cost airline will create 150 new jobs when it sets up a base at one of Scotland's busiest airports, it was announced today.

Jet2.com will start flying out of Glasgow Airport from next year, with services to nine destinations.

Its base at the airport will also create 150 jobs - including several which are being supported with 150,000 of public cash.

The money, from Scottish Enterprise's Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) fund, will support nine maintenance jobs.

Scottish Development International, which works to attract companies to Scotland, has been working with Jet2.com on the move.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson welcomed the news the airline had opted to set up its eighth base in Glasgow.

Mr Stevenson said: "This announcement is a tremendous boost for Glasgow Airport, linking the city to new destinations and creating 150 jobs.

"I am particularly pleased that Scottish Enterprise has been able to offer RSA towards the creation of high-value maintenance jobs.

"This follows the excellent work of Scottish Development International in persuading Jet2.com to establish these new jobs in Glasgow in the face of competition from other parts of the UK."

Ian Doubtfire, managing director of Jet2.com, said the firm was "thrilled" to be coming to Glasgow, adding: "The region will benefit considerably from our friendly low-fare service and the resulting investment into the area."

He said that while the travel industry had been through a "turbulent time", his firm had "continued to go from strength to strength".

Glasgow Airport managing director Amanda McMillan said: "We are delighted that Jet2.com has confirmed Glasgow Airport as their next UK base.

"Jet2.com is one of the UK's most successful leisure airlines, offering low fares to a fantastic choice of sun, ski and city destinations.

"As well as offering low fares to the sun, Jet2.com is creating 150 jobs at Glasgow Airport.

"At a time of economic uncertainty, this is further evidence of the importance of Glasgow Airport to the local and national economy, and underlines our commitment to attract new airlines and expand our route network."

Jet2.com will fly to Alicante, Dalaman, Nice, Faro, Tunisia, Majorca, Paphos, Sharm el Sheikh and Tenerife, with the first of its new services pencilled in for March 31 next year.