A major new study examining the economic contribution of Glasgow Airport is underway in a bid to highlight the importance of aviation to Scotland's economy.

The study will quantify the current, and future, value of Glasgow Airport to the regional and national economy, examine its role in attracting new investment to the region, and consider how growth at the airport will increase the number of jobs supported.

The study will also examine the collective value to the economy of Glasgow's international route network.

The economic contribution study will be carried out by air transport consultants York Aviation, a leading expert in the field, and will update the findings of the airport's last major economic contribution study, carried out in 2002.

The research has been commissioned by Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow Airport. Its findings are expected later this spring.

A similar study has already been produced for Edinburgh Airport, with Aberdeen set to produce its report at the same time as Glasgow.
 
Airport operator BAA has outlined plans to invest between £150 and £200 million at Glasgow Airport over the next ten years, at no cost to the Scottish taxpayer. The study will examine the impact of this investment on the wider region, as well as the value to the economy of inbound tourism.

With flights serving Canada, the United States, the Gulf and Asia, Glasgow is Scotland's biggest long haul and transatlantic gateway, and serves more Scottish destinations than any other airport in Scotland.

The study will also consider the importance of Glasgow Airport as a regional employer. The results of an earlier airport employment survey, which showed that around 5,000 people work at the airport, and 120 companies are based around the airport campus, will be fed into the study.

The study will also examine the economic and employment costs of constraining growth at the airport through, for example, road congestion. Access to Glasgow Airport is already severely restricted because of congestion on the M8 and surrounding roads.

Glasgow Airport Managing Director Amanda McMillan said: "With around 5,000 jobs and 120 companies dependent on the airport, we know that Glasgow Airport is a major contributor to the west of Scotland economy.

"However, previous studies have also highlighted the significant contribution Glasgow Airport makes at a national level, as the gateway to Scotland from Canada, the United States, the Gulf, Asia and beyond.

"This latest study will update our understanding of the employment and investment opportunities created by Glasgow Airport, and of the value of inbound tourism to the Scottish economy.

"It will also, we hope, give added weight to our calls for improved surface access to and from Glasgow Airport as a necessary precursor to future growth."

Liz Connolly, Regional Director of Scottish Enterprise, said: "Scotland's transport infrastructure is important to the economy, allowing us to compete in global markets and achieve meaningful economic growth.

"This new study will help us better understand Glasgow International Airport and its economic impact and ensure that its potential is assessed and maximised.

"The results of the study will help us to work with the airport's public and private sector partners to improve competitiveness and increase investment, tourism and business opportunities in the west of Scotland and the wider Scottish economy."

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Jim Coleman, said: "Given the importance of domestic and international air travel to Glasgow's economy and our unstinting support to air service development for Glasgow Airport we are keen to support and participate in this economic impact study.

"Our priority is to ensure that Glasgow Airport continues to make a significant contribution to our local and national economies."

Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay said: "The key issue from our standpoint is that, particularly in these difficult economic times, Glasgow Airport continues to develop as an employer, transport provider and driver of growth for the Renfrewshire and indeed the wider Scottish economy.

"A fresh study of the economic impact of Glasgow Airport can play a valuable role in supporting that development."