News Release
Wednesday 16 July 2014
SIR CHRIS HOY UNVEILS GLASGOW AIRPORT’S
NEW LOOK INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS
Britain's most successful ever Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, visited Glasgow Airport on
Wednesday 16 July to officially open its new international arrival area and declare the airport
ready for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
As part of its extensive preparations for the Games, Glasgow Airport has invested in excess
of £17 million over the course of the past year enhancing large parts of the main terminal
building. This included international arrivals which for many will be the gateway to the
Games.
The airport is one of three official non-competing venues and the investment will ensure it is
looking its best when it provides a warm welcome and fond farewell to the thousands of
athletes, games officials and visitors who will pass through its doors during the coming days
and weeks.
Other aspects of the refurbishment included modernisations to the main check-in hall, the
landscaping of a new public space at the front of the terminal, and general improvements to
the airport’s road network. Over £1.5 million was also spent on upgrading the toilet facilities.
Eleven-time world champion, six-time Olympic champion and former Commonwealth Games
champion Sir Chris, was joined by Glasgow Airport’s managing director, Amanda McMillan,
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive Glasgow 2014, and Clyde, the official Glasgow 2014
mascot.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “Our £17 million investment
represented one of the most significant and comprehensive upgrades to the airport since it
was first opened in 1966. We’re absolutely thrilled with the end result which has truly
transformed the entire look and feel of the airport.
“As the gateway to the Games, it was extremely important to us that we were able to provide
a positive and welcoming first impression of the city and Scotland. I believe we’ve achieved
that and we’ve delivered a facility that everyone associated with the airport can be proud of.
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“These large scale improvements will be our legacy from the Games and it was entirely
fitting that our greatest ever Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy, was able to perform the honours by
officially opening our new international arrivals. We are now looking forward to welcoming all
those who will be flying in to participate in what will be the largest sporting and cultural event
Scotland will ever have hosted.”
Sir Chris Hoy added: “It’s was a real pleasure to visit Glasgow Airport to officially open the
new international arrival area. The airport is looking in great condition, and it is clear that a
huge amount of time, energy and resources have been put into developing the terminal
building.
“The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow over the next few weeks in the run up to the 2014
Commonwealth Games. The new international arrivals area will be the first taste of the city
that athletes and visitors experience, and I’m confident that Glasgow Airport will ensure that
it will be a welcome gateway for them all.”
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: “The airport will be the first
place many of our athletes, officials and spectators see when they arrive in Glasgow for the
Games and what a great impression they will get of the city and of Scotland. The £17million
investment has transformed the main terminal, the international arrivals areas and created a
great new landscaped public space in front of the terminal. The new-look airport, together
with our team of friendly clyde-siders who are on hand to meet and greet people as they
arrive for the Games, really will ensure everyone receives a warm welcome from the minute
they touch down.”
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This investment further
reinforces Glasgow’s position as Scotland’s premier airport and will bring lasting benefits to
the city long after the Commonwealth Games have finished. Our airport plays a crucial role
in the economy of west central Scotland with over 7.5million passengers coming through the
terminals each year, and this fantastic refurbishment will ensure it continues to meet the
demands of an ever growing airport for years to come.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
With 30 airlines serving more than 100 destinations worldwide, including Canada, the US,
the Caribbean, Europe, North Africa and the Gulf, Glasgow Airport is Scotland’s principal
long-haul airport.
In addition to being Scotland’s largest charter hub, Glasgow Airport serves more Scottish
destinations than any other airport and is a key component of Scotland’s transport
infrastructure. The airport supports over 7,300 jobs across Scotland and makes the largest
contribution of any airport to Scotland’s economy, generating hundreds of millions of pounds.
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For further information please contact:
Brian McClean
Head of Communications
Glasgow Airport
0141 848 4558
07754 390160
[email protected]
Nicola Macnaughton
Communications Manager
Glasgow Airport
0141 848 4737
0772 5638 246
[email protected]