Mascot Bonnie the Seal visited the terminal to celebrate the news that Glasgow Airport has become an Official Supporter of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
Thousands of athletes, officials and visitors are set to touch down in Scotland for the new multi-sport event in August and Glasgow Airport will work on arrivals, departures and transport links to the surrounding venues in the run-up to, and during, the Championships.
Passengers will also be greeted with the vibrant look and feel of the Championships as they land in Glasgow, inviting them to get involved in 11 days of sporting action and culture taking place from 2 to 12 August 2018.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is famed for its warm welcome across the world and with Glasgow Airport as an official sponsor, the thousands of athletes, officials and spectators set to land here later this year are guaranteed a memorable first impression - setting the tone for the exciting events ahead. Scotland is the perfect stage for the first ever European Championships showcasing our cultural heritage, sporting excellence and expertise in staging events to an international audience.”
Glasgow City Council Deputy Leader Cllr, David McDonald said: “With 8,000 athletes, officials and media, as well as huge numbers of spectators expected to arrive in Glasgow and Scotland for the European Championships, this is the year we bring in a new era in world sport and put on a fantastic show for all of our visitors. We will show, once again, that people make Glasgow and as we countdown to this brand new event, the year is off to a flying start.”
Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport’s commercial director, said: “We are thrilled to come on board as an official sponsor of the inaugural 2018 European Championships.
“This will be the biggest sporting event the country has seen since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were a tremendous success and placed Glasgow firmly on the map as a gateway to Scotland.
“The 2014 Games also showcased to the world that Scotland can not only host major sporting events superbly well but that it can do so with its own unique warmth and style. The summer of 2014 was an unforgettable experience and there was a real buzz around the airport as the world descended on Glasgow.
“I’m in no doubt the 2018 European Championships will be equally successful and the team here at Glasgow Airport is looking forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes, officials and supporters who will pass through our doors this summer.”
Attendances of up to 250,000 are expected at venues across Scotland for the staging of the first ever European Championships which will see some of the best athletes in Europe compete in Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon.