BAA, which owns and operates Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport, has welcomed a report from a group of MSPs calling for extra marketing support for airlines flying in to Scotland.

Gordon Dewar, managing director of Glasgow and acting MD of Edinburgh Airport, said: “Aviation is an integral part of the social and economic life of our country, delivering thousands of high quality jobs, generating investment and sustaining our tourist industry, now, more than ever, the lifeblood of our economy.

We have made it clear that we believe there is a strong case for some form of EU-compliant marketing support fund and argued strongly for this in our evidence to the committee. Since 2002 BAA Scotland has invested in excess of £110 million in route development support for airlines starting new direct international services. This work has transformed Scotland’s international connectivity. We would welcome any additional support which builds on this success for the benefit of business and leisure travellers.

“The worldwide airline industry is entering a difficult phase, with many carriers reducing capacity or scaling back expansion plans as a result of rising fuel prices and the impact of the credit crunch. We are working hard to support our airlines, in partnership with organisations such as VisitScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau. Any additional support would be welcome.”