Scotland’s gateway airport has announced a multi-million pound investment package over the next two years as bosses confidently predict a return to growth in 2010.

Glasgow Airport is to spend £25 million on new capital projects designed to provide a better experience for passengers, upgrade essential infrastructure and improve access to the airport.

The airport will invest £12 million in 2010, followed by a further £13 million in 2011.

Improvements to the airport road system, a terminal pier upgrade, a new food court, a new runway lighting system and upgrades to the airfield taxiway system are among the developments planned. The airport’s main passenger lounge, skylounge, will also be refurbished along with improvements to the internal layouts of the main terminal building to create a more seamless passenger journey through the airport.

Glasgow Airport is also contributing £1 million towards the cost of the M74 extension which, it is hoped, will reduce journey times to and from the airport.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “This investment package is good news for passengers, and good news for the economy of Glasgow and the west of Scotland, particularly at a time of recession. These improvements will deliver a better passenger experience, provide enhanced terminal facilities, and improve the efficiency of our taxiway and runway infrastructure, which are essential for the smooth operation of the airport.

“This is a significant investment in the future of Glasgow Airport, and underlines our commitment to grow the airport and deliver a better customer experience for our passengers.”

This is the latest in a series of high profile investments at Glasgow Airport.

Last year, Glasgow Airport opened the doors to a £31 million terminal extension - the biggest single investment for more than a decade. The ‘skyhub’ extension includes a new security search area, arrivals hall, additional seating capacity, and a wider choice of bars, shops and restaurants.

Between now and 2014, when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games, the airport expects to spend between £85 million and £100 million on new terminal and airfield facilities.

Civic leaders welcomed the announcement. Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: "We very much welcome the news of this investment in Glasgow Airport, which will deliver a better experience for all of its users. The importance of the airport to the local economy cannot be overestimated. Investment in improving Glasgow Airport is an investment in jobs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland."

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay said: “Glasgow Airport is at the heart of the Renfrewshire economy, not only providing significant employment opportunities for local residents but also providing visitors with a gateway to both Renfrewshire and Scotland. This programme of work will enhance access and the customer experience and we welcome such a significant investment particularly in the current economic circumstances."

The investment package reflects the growing confidence of airport bosses who expect to see a return to growth in the latter part of 2010.

Airport MD Amanda McMillan confirmed that the airport is in discussion with new and existing airlines in a bid to secure several new routes for 2010, and is working to backfill the capacity lost by Globespan. More than a third of the capacity has been replaced by existing carriers at Glasgow, including easyJet, Thomas Cook, Thomson and Virgin Atlantic.

A major announcement on further additional capacity is expected in the next few days. Amanda McMillan said:  “There is no doubt that 2009 has been one of the most challenging years the UK aviation industry has ever faced. Glasgow Airport is not immune from these economic pressures and, like many other airports, we have felt the impact of the recession, with fewer passengers choosing to fly and a reluctance on the part of airlines to grow.

“The demise of flyglobespan is a further challenge. However, we have already backfilled a third of the capacity lost by flyglobespan and we are working to secure additional flights with other carriers. We are also working to deliver several new international services from Glasgow for 2010 and we remain confident of a return to growth in the latter part of next year as market conditions improve.”

With flights to Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, North Africa, the Gulf and Asia, Glasgow Airport is Scotland’s long haul and transatlantic gateway, serving more long haul destinations than any other airport in Scotland.

Earlier this month, Canadian operator Canadian Affair announced it was expanding its summer service from Glasgow to Toronto, with two extra flights a week. The improved schedule now offers seven flights a week to Canada’s biggest city. And in recent weeks, the airport has also secured new flights to Barcelona, with Sunways Holidays, and Dalaman in Turkey, operated by Kiss Flights.