"Aviation industry is not a priority for the Scottish Government." says Airport bosses

Derek Provan who is Chief Executive of the operators of Aberdeen and Glasgow airports says the lack of plan or framework for their industry sent a clear message.

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 23rd Feb 2021

The Scottish Government and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have been accused of not making the aviation industry a priority by the owners of Aberdeen and Glasgow airports.

Earlier the First Minister outlined the framework for Scotland coming out of lockdown.

International travel remains heavily restricted in Scotland, with international arrivals having to quarantine for ten days, with limited exceptions, which is already tougher than in England.

Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, said: “Yesterday the Prime Minister provided a clear framework for the safe restart of international aviation. Today the First Minister provided a clear message the aviation industry is not a priority for the Scottish Government.

"We received no plan or framework against which we can start plotting any form of recovery." he continued."

Mr Provan says this has sent a worrying signal to the airports, airlines and staff involved in the sector.

He said:

"We find ourselves in a position where airports and airlines in England can start planning to safely reopen in time for the summer, yet in Scotland we are left with more questions than answers.

"It is now two weeks since the Scottish Government committed to setting up an aviation working group and it has still to meet. This lack of meaningful engagement cannot continue.”

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