Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay has welcomed the latest figures from Glasgow Airport which has revealed an increase in passenger numbers for the ninth consecutive month, with almost 700,000 people passing through the airport in September 2011.

Passenger number rose by 3.2% due partly to a strong demand for long hail and EU scheduled flights.

Derek Mackay MSP said:

“This is good news for Glasgow Airport and the wider Renfrewshire economy.  Hopefully the issue over the sale of either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport can be concluded soon and we can look forward to further investment into the local area.

“This increase in passenger numbers highlights the importance of Glasgow Airport to the wider Renfrewshire and Scottish economy and is important in not only retaining existing jobs but in attracting new investment and employment to the area.

“Glasgow Airport is a key transport hub for the whole of Scotland, with the launch of new routes to Stavanger, Norway and the re-introduction of by Icelandair of its direct flights to Reykjavik.  Further route developments include a launch of direct flights to Amsterdam and Madird.”