Scotland's First Minister unveils Edinburgh airport's new terminal extension01 December 2006
L19m investment part of BAA's long term sustainable vision for capital airport.
Scotland’s First Minister Jack McConnell today officially opened Edinburgh Airport’s new South East Pier terminal extension, hailing it a “great development” for the capital and the country.
First Minister Jack McConnell joined Edinburgh Airport's Managing Director Richard Jeffrey and Scottish photographer Jason Baxter at the airport this morning to officially open the L19m development, which is part of BAA's 25 year vision for ambitious, achievable and sustainable growth to meet passenger demand.
Baxter’s work, a series of images celebrating Edinburgh as an Inspiring Capital is displayed in the connector to the pier to promote Scotland and its capital city to passengers.
The pier is the first stage of a L300m programme of investment in new infrastructure at Edinburgh Airport over the next ten years. Passenger numbers at Edinburgh airport have more than doubled over the decade, rising from 3.8 million in 1996 to 8.6 million today. Today, the capital serves more than 70 destinations across the UK, Europe and North America. By 2013, passenger numbers are expected to reach 14 million, and as much as 26 million by 2030. Much of the growth is expected to come from international travel as the capital attracts more European and long haul routes.
The terminal extension, which provides six additional boarding gates and features sustainable, energy saving design techniques, has led to a 70% reduction in the number of passengers having to be coached to their aircraft.
First Minister Jack McConnell said: “BAA’s new South East Pier is a great development, both for Edinburgh and for Scotland as a whole.
“Scotland needs first class transport links if our economy is to continue to prosper.
“And it is crucial we ensure tourists and visitors get the best possible first impression of Scotland. I have no doubt that the new facilities will ensure that all passengers arriving in Edinburgh have the best possible experience and that we have the capacity in Scotland to support the growth in direct flights to other countries. This is better for individual Scots, helps Scottish businesses, and is more environmentally friendly than additional journeys.”
Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport, Richard Jeffrey, said: “Our new terminal extension has already led to improvements in the smooth running of the airport by helping to ease congestion in the terminal at peak times and more than halving the number of coach journeys for passengers. Consideration for the environment has been at the heart of the project with a series of energy saving measures factored into the design.
“The pier also symbolises BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to building a world class airport infrastructure for Scotland's capital city, creating jobs, generating investment, and bringing Edinburgh closer to the rest of the world."
Media enquiries
Notes to Editors
The pier, which also provides additional lounge facilities, retail space and extra office accommodation, has been designed in such a way that it can be expanded incrementally, and in a sustainable manner. A state-of-the-art lighting system has been installed which automatically dims lights when they are not needed, saving energy and reducing the airport’s CO2 usage. The travelators also run on energy-saving motors.
The promotion of Scotland’s capital city lies at the heart of the development and the pier’s connecting bridge is illuminated with a series of iconic images of Edinburgh by Scottish photographer Jason Baxter. To mark the official unveiling of the pier, a special commemorative booklet featuring postcard versions of the images has been launched. These are available for passengers to pick up at the airport.
Read the rest of the Edinburgh flights guide
»
All Rights Reserved.