Aberdeen Airport redevelopment: BAA reveal £100m plans

PLANS have been unveiled for a £100 million redevelopment of Aberdeen Airport over the next 30 years, owner BAA has confirmed.

The airport’s draft master plan includes a major refurbishment of the terminal building and space for further runway expansion.

BAA said estimated passenger numbers would reach four million by 2020 and more than five million by 2040.

The blueprint, which will now go out for consultation, estimates the development could create about 1,100 jobs.

Aberdeen was said to have been the UK’s fastest growing airport last year, with forecasts produced by BAA predicting a growing demand in the long-term for air services to and from the city.

The airport’s managing director, Derek Provan, said: “The aviation industry has changed a great deal since the first Aberdeen Airport Master Plan was published in 2006, a time of unprecedented growth in the aviation industry. It was followed by the worst downturn in aviation history, a worldwide slump in demand and the loss of dozens of UK and European airlines, including flyglobespan and Aberdeen-based City Star Airlines.

“Given the extent of the downturn, and the impact on air passenger demand across the world, it is only sensible that we take stock and refresh our long-term forecasts to reflect the changed business landscape. This draft Master contains a series of revised forecasts for growth, which we believe are realistic, sustainable and achievable.

“Aberdeen Airport was the fastest growing airport in the UK last year and our forecasts suggest that we will continue to grow over the long term.”