Edinburgh Airport launches Masterplan public consultation
Edinburgh Airport has launched a six week public consultation on its Masterplan 2016 – 2040.
The Masterplan sets out a framework for the sustainable development and ongoing growth and success of Edinburgh Airport to up to 2040. The draft details how the airport intends to match the growing demand for air travel to and from Edinburgh.
The Masterplan is focused on our growth on the ground. It is not concerned with the Airspace Change Programme (ACP). Edinburgh Airport will consult again on the ACP early in 2017.
Key points of the draft Masterplan, which has been sent to key stakeholders, include:
- An enlarged terminal building to create space for more passengers and facilities, particular to serve additional international services
- An enlarged area for the parking of aircraft
- An enlarged cargo storage area
- Improved access by creation of a new road linking to the Gogar Roundabout
- In order to achieve all of the above, the closure of the existing second runway, the configuration and size of which are not suitable for frequent use
- The continued safeguarding of land for a new second runway. Our plan indicates that we will not need this for regular use until around 2050
There will be a dedicated Masterplan website inviting feedback and there will be three key events – one at the airport for airport users and for the general public and other stakeholders two further events at the Hilton and Marriot Hotels – where interested parties are invited to drop in, ask questions and share their thoughts on the Masterplan.
Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive Gordon Dewar said:
“At Edinburgh Airport our passenger numbers have grown more in the past three years than they did in the 10 years previous.
“We’ve grown by one million passengers each year since 2012. We’ve grown our route network, serving more destinations and working with more airlines than ever.
“We believe that this growth is good for Scotland. An independent study that was carried out earlier this year gives evidence to that – the activity at the airport generates almost £1 billion per year for the Scottish economy while supporting over 23, 000 jobs.
“We also believe that growth will continue at Edinburgh Airport.
“Fundamentally we’re an importer of people. So we concentrate not on the 5 million Scots that we serve but on the 7 billion people across the globe that wish to enjoy what our great country has to offer.
“Scotland is a great product. Our growth is driven by that product. Edinburgh is Scotland’s attack brand; it leads the rest of the country and will continue to do so, whether in terms of tourism or business. Scotland itself has a great global draw.
“Edinburgh Airport is an enabler – a conduit for prosperity for all. But we also firmly believe that our growth is something that must be linked to, supported by and supportive of Edinburgh’s future development.
“That’s why this Masterplan document is so important. It sets out how we think we’ll grow in the decades to come and we’re asking some questions around that. Your views are important in making sure that our thinking is correct and that it fits with wider plans.”
