Having completed its acquisition of AGS Airports, which operates Aberdeeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, earlier this year, AviAlliance has now confirmed a GBP 350 million investment in the three regional hubs.
The investment, which was announced alongside the announcement of a new chair – Charles Hammond OBE, will boost the sustainable growth of all three airports.
Glasgow Airport will benefit from a comprehensive transformation of its main terminal building to deliver best in class operational and retail facilities, as well as upgrades to its airfield infrastructure and energy efficiency initiatives. Meanwhile, Southampton will undergo redevelopment works within its terminal, while Aberdeen will see similar investments in its airfield infrastructure. Home to Europe’s largest heliport, Aberdeen plays a critical role in offshore operations transporting crew and cargo to oil rigs in the North Sea.
The GBP350 million investment will also be used to accelerate AGS’ sustainability agenda, including its commitment to achieving net zero for its direct emissions by the mid-2030s.
Kam Jandu, who was appointed CEO of AGS Airports in January, said: “AGS plays a critical role in driving economic and social prosperity across Scotland and the UK. We have ambitious plans for the long-term, sustainable growth of our airports including the strengthening of our connectivity which underpins the success of the regions we serve.”
Jandu also expressed a warm welcome to the new chair, saying, “he is joining at what is a very exciting time for AGS and his unrivalled experience will prove invaluable as we work to unlock the next chapter in the group’s growth.”
A qualified lawyer, Hammond was previously Chief Executive of Forth Ports for 23 years and oversaw the company’s move from a publicly listed PLC to private ownership in 2011.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, reiterated that AviAlliances’ investment will bring wide-reaching benefits, as she said: “Good international connectivity is key to economic growth in Scotland. It enables flow of trade, investment, labour and tourism, which will contribute to our prosperity. Additionally, the commitment to sustainability is welcome as we progress towards a net zero future.”
AGS already supports more than 30,000 jobs and generates in excess of GBP 2 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) or the UK economy every year. The development of the three regional airports will “turbocharge economic growth and support local jobs and skills right across the country, in line with the UK’s Plan for Change,” according to UK Aviation Minister, Mike Kane.
Image source: Glasgow Airport
