Passenger numbers up 5.3% in November 2012
Glasgow Airport experienced its busiest November since 2008 with almost 500,000 passengers travelling through the airport during the month, representing an increase of 5.3% against the same period last year.
Domestic and international traffic grew by 6.1% and 3.9% respectively. The decision by British Airways to add additional Heathrow capacity in order to meet the demand for hub connectivity drove the strong domestic performance, while other London services also performed well. International growth was primarily driven by Emirates’ double daily service to Dubai and strong performances from KLM and easyJet.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “To have enjoyed our busiest November in four years, and to see both domestic and international services performing well, is very encouraging. We have been buoyed by some very positive recent announcements and remain committed to further strengthening Glasgow’s connectivity by growing our route network.”
November saw Barrhead Travel announce it will double capacity for its 2013 summer programme, while CI Travel revealed it will launch Scotland’s only direct link with Guernsey. Emirates confirmed an upgrade of the aircraft used on its evening flight to a three-class Boeing 777.
Gama Aviation, a global provider of business aviation services, also revealed plans for a £3.5 million expansion at Glasgow Airport which will result in the construction of a dedicated aviation hangar. This will allow the company to provide an aircraft handling terminal and enhance its current maintenance capabilities.
AND ... Glasgow Airport lands direct Lufthansa service to Düsseldorf
Glasgow Airport is to further strengthen its route network after Lufthansa Regional confirmed it will launch a direct service to Düsseldorf in April 2013.
It is the first time Glasgow Airport will have served Düsseldorf, which is located in the heart of the prosperous Rhine-Ruhr region, in 20 years and the launch of the route will also mark the return of the Lufthansa network to Glasgow.
Lufthansa Regional will initially operate six flights per week with the inaugural flight taking off on 8 April 2013 and it will increase to a daily service week commencing 24 June 2013.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “The introduction of Lufthansa Regional’s Düsseldorf service is fantastic news for Glasgow Airport as not only will it result in a direct, daily flight to one of the wealthiest regions in Europe, our passengers will once again have access to the extensive onward connectivity offered by the Lufthansa network.
“Both Düsseldorf and Glasgow are economic powerhouses in their own right and whilst there will undoubtedly be strong demand for this service from within the business community, it will prove a big draw for leisure travellers and has huge potential to generate significant in-bound tourism for Glasgow.
“If we are to further enhance Scotland’s global connectivity then Glasgow must have links with European hubs such as Düsseldorf and we are looking forward to working with Lufthansa to ensure the success of this route.”
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Lufthansa Regional’s new route between Düsseldorf and Glasgow, which has been supported through the council’s Air Route Development Fund, is a major boost for the city. Germany represents the largest international market for Glasgow with more than 71,000 trips made each year by German visitors who generate more than £19 million for the local economy.
MTB 14/12/2012
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