Multi-million-pound expansion leads modernisation drive.

Airport news for Travel,Edinburgh on 29/07/2010.

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Edinburgh Airport kicked-off plans to become one of the most modern travel gateways in Europe by unveiling its lavish new £40-million expansion. The shiny new departure lounge and security hall were launched by the Scottish Finance Secretary, John Swinney. The newly unveiled facilities form the first step in Edinburgh Airport’s 10-year refurbishment plans.

Up to 150 jobs will be supported by the new facilities. The new departure lounge and security hall will also support the airport’s expansion plans. The airport is aiming to expand passenger numbers from the present nine million annually to 13 million per year by 2013.

Mr Swinney underscored the economic importance of Edinburgh Airport for Scotland and the UK. He said this most recent investment in the airport shows how much the government intends to help Edinburgh Airport boost Scotland’s connections with other countries. Gordon Dewar will soon leave his post as managing director of Edinburgh Airport to take on the role of CEO at Bahrain Airport. He did, however, add to Mr Swinney’s statement, saying he felt that even with the pressures on aviation today, this was the right time to invest in such expansion.

BAA, which owns Edinburgh Airport, said it was the only airport in Britain to enjoy increased passenger traffic last year and the new facilities would help the airport support forecasted growth. The full expansion being implemented at Edinburgh Airport is scheduled to be completed early next year and will be opened in phases.

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