A new state of the art security search area, the centrepiece of a multi-million pound transformation of Glasgow Airport, was today formally opened at Glasgow Airport by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond MSP.
The ceremony coincided with a pledge by airport operator BAA Glasgow to invest millions of pounds upgrading airport facilities, in advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The new security search area, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, is part of a £31 million terminal extension at Glasgow Airport. The facility uses the latest x-ray screening technology to screen passengers and their hand luggage, with 10 aTiX x-ray machines currently in place, and capacity for a further four, when required.
The 4000 square metre development also includes a new ground floor UK arrivals hall and new shops, bars and restaurants. Once through security, passengers enjoy access to the full range of bars, shops, restaurants and lounges available throughout the main terminal.
Further improvements are underway in the third, and final, stage of the £31 million project, as the airport’s former security search areas – now closed to passengers – are transformed into seating areas, fashion stores and catering outlets.
The First Minister was joined at Glasgow Airport this morning by Councillors Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, and Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council.
Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, thanked BAA’s partners, including Balfour Beatty and 3DReid, for delivering the project on time and on budget, and paid tribute to airport staff for their help in ensuring a “faultless” launch of the new terminal extension.
Already, more than 300,000 departing passengers have passed through the new search area since it opened to passengers at the end of October.
Amanda McMillan said: “This investment will provide the capacity we need to develop Glasgow Airport into a modern 21st century gateway for the west of Scotland. It is a project of which we can be rightly proud, delivered on time and on budget, and providing a better airport experience for our passengers, now and into the future.”
Mrs McMillan said BAA Glasgow would continue to invest at Glasgow Airport over the next decade, including a multi-million pound investment package to upgrade and refurbish the terminal building in advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
She added: “We are not complacent about the future. Our quest for improvement is ongoing because our passengers expect nothing less. So, we will continue to invest at Glasgow Airport, building an airport that meets the future transport needs of Scotland’s largest city, and the west of Scotland.
“This £31 million investment demonstrates Glasgow Airport’s commitment to build for the future, and take Glasgow and Scotland to new heights.”
Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow Airport plays a vital role not only in the Glasgow economy, but across the entire country. It's vital for business, for tourism and for commuters.
"We recently launched a new tourism action plan aimed at increasing the number of visitors to Glasgow and turning tourism in the city into a £1billion industry. Glasgow Airport will obviously be a crucial partner in helping us to achieve those goals.
"The investment that's been made at the airport will ensure it continues to play an important role in the economy of Scotland."
Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “We are positioning Renfrewshire as the 'Gateway to the Games' in terms of our transport links, tourism opportunities and sporting participation and performance. This further investment in Glasgow Airport will enhance the visitor experience and encourage more people to choose Glasgow Airport."
The new terminal extension was designed by architects 3D Reid and built by Balfour Beatty over an 18 month period.
The building features a revolutionary translucent cladding system known as Kalwall, a highly-insulating material that is amongst the most energy efficient in the world. Kalwall absorbs external daylight, allowing natural light to flood the terminal, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. The new extension also provides a covered walkway into the adjacent T2 check-in facility.
