Question reference: S5W-35481
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 23 February 2021
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made 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. In November 2020 a notice was placed in the Official Journal of the European Union inviting expressions of interest. That attracted credible interests and since then GPA and its professional advisers have carried out a detailed evaluation of the competing bids. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made and I have agreed the selection of a Preferred Bidder. This allows the process to move to the next stage and potentially an early divestment of our shareholding.
To protect the integrity of the process, we will not reveal the identity of the Preferred Bidder at this stage. I will keep Parliament advised of progress.