Question reference: S5W-33019
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 4 November 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 5 November 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it still plans to return Glasgow Prestwick Airport to the private sector.
Answer
Since the Scottish Government bought Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) in 2013, we have been clear that it is our intention to return the business to the private sector when the time is right. The senior management team at GPA has continued to engage with potential buyers and investors to discuss proposals for developing the business under new ownership.
Good progress continues to be made by GPA to increase revenue; deliver operating efficiencies; and pursue exciting opportunities for the future. In light of that progress, GPA will shortly place a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union inviting expressions of interest in GPA. Any proposals submitted as a result of the notice would be considered carefully before any decision was taken to divest our shareholding in GPA or any part of it. We will provide an update to Parliament should any credible expressions of interest be received, while respecting the need to maintain confidentiality for commercial reasons.