Northern Isles MSPs offered reassurances over Edinburgh Airport

Northern Isles MSPs Liam McArthur and Tavish Scott have met with representatives of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) — the company that recently took over Edinburgh Airport — to discuss the company’s plans in relation to charging.

Concerns had been raised about the charging structure introduced by GIP at both its London airports, Gatwick and City, which resulted in some regional air services re-locating.

Commenting after the meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr McArthur said: “The transfer of ownership at Edinburgh airport is of significant interest to people in Orkney and Shetland. This route has grown in importance over the years and is now a vital link, particularly for many island businesses.”

Describing the meeting as “very useful”, Mr McArthur said it gave an early opportunity to set out concerns raised in the Northern Isles about the potential implications of the change in ownership for lifeline air services.

He said: “Sir John Elvidge [appointed by GIP as chairman of Edinburgh Airport] acknowledged our concerns, but stressed GIP’s commitment to avoiding disruption to these critical services.  He was clear that, in terms of charging and the current flight schedule, it is not the intention of GIP to make any alterations.”