Prestwick Airport Bid process: FOI release

Information requested

Regarding Glasgow Prestwick Airport, you asked:

i. If the airport is now making operational profits, why would it be sold?

ii. I also understand that a bid may have been tendered from a company that the previous Chairman, whom I think may have been appointed by you, has invoked a conflict of interest and it may not be in the interests of the Scottish people if the asset and business are sold to this bidder.

Response

On your first point, the Scottish Government has not decided to sell Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) but considers that now is the right time to explore options for the future of airport.

Scottish Ministers' longstanding position is that that the airport should be returned to the private sector at the appropriate time and opportunity. Any decision to sell GPA must represent value for money and for taxpayers and be informed by what is right for the long-term success of the business and its contribution to the local and Scottish economy.

On the second part of your request, relating to the previous Chair, the Scottish Government has received several expressions of interest in respect of the airport including one linked to Forsyth Black. The Scottish Government is engaging with a range of potential parties in sectors relevant to GPA's operation to assess their level of interest and whether they have a sustainable and realistic vision for GPA in the long term. This process is operating on an fair and objective basis with all parties in the process being treated equally.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.