The terminal was last extended in the early 1990s and is designed to handle nine million passengers. Passenger numbers have increased by 60% in the past decade and the terminal is now nearing capacity. Glasgow has three separate search areas, each of which is constrained by lack of space. This expansion will allow us to concentrate our security search areas in one location, freeing up a huge amount of additional capacity within the terminal. This is particularly important during the busy summer months when Glasgow Airport can expect to handle over one million passengers in a single month.

Glasgow has three piers, each with very different passenger and retail facilities. Currently, passengers can only access the pier from which their flight departs. So, for example, a domestic passenger cannot currently visit the skylounge passenger lounge. As a result of our plans, passengers will be able to move more freely around the terminal. That means more choice for passengers and a better airport experience.

The process for departing passengers changed on 28 October 2008. Since this date, all departing passengers pass through a new central search area on the first floor of the terminal building.

The terminal extension includes a number of new retailers and catering units. JD Wetherspoon and Starbucks are already confirmed, and more names will be announced soon. A number of new units have also opened in the main terminal, including JD Wetherspoon, Tie Rack, Sunglass Hut and Frankie & Benny's, and WHSmith is about to expand on the first floor. However, the majority of the new retail will come in the final phase of the project, when we start upgrading the rest of the terminal. Unfortunately, it is too early to confirm names at this stage, but there are some exciting new brands for Glasgow. Watch this space.

The rules on what passengers can and cannot take through security are governed by the Department for Transport. In practical terms, passengers should:

• Pack liquid containers (no more than 100ml) in a clear, re-sealable bag
• Remove any coats and jackets and place them in a tray, along with any liquids
• Do not carry any sharp items

Initially, there will be 10 Atix x-ray machines, with capacity for a further four if required.

We will operate as many machines as we need in order to ensure a steady flow of passengers. Clearly, some times are busier than other, so there will not be a need to have all 10 machines operational all of the time. We plan in advance to ensure that we have the right number of staff in place, and the appropriate number of x-ray machines in operation, to respond to passenger flows. With all of our staff, and all of our security screening equipment, located in the same search area, we now have the flexibility to respond to sudden changes in the passenger flow.

Skyhub will not in itself attract more flights, but the increase in capacity and operational efficiencies it delivers will make Glasgow Airport a more attractive proposition for interested airlines.

The airline industry has made great strides in reducing its carbon footprint with a new generation of cleaner, more fuel efficient aircraft. As a result, aviation today accounts for less than 2% of global emissions, according to the Government’s own STERN report. Road transport and shipping generate substantially more emissions than aviation.

But we're not complacent. BAA has pressed for a Europe wide emissions trading scheme, and locally we work hard to minimise our impact on the environment. The new terminal extension at Glasgow uses a revolutionary new cladding system which allows more natural light into the building, and reduce the need for artificial heating and lighting.

If you’d like more information, or have any further questions, contact skyhub@baa.com.

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