Scotland’s Prestwick airport is to be purchased by the Scottish government after no private buyer could be found.
Current owner Infratil put the Ayrshire airport up for sale in March 2012 but has been unable to find a buyer leading to the decision by the Scottish government to step in.
The airport is currently only used by no-frills giant Ryanair and employs 1,400 people.
Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Prestwick Airport’s importance to the local Ayrshire and wider Scottish economy cannot be overstated – and it is vital that all efforts are made to keep the airport open.
“Over the next few weeks we will focus on due diligence, legal and commercial issues around public ownership and the development of a business plan that will allow Prestwick to thrive once again.
“I want to stress to staff and passengers booked to fly from Prestwick that in the meantime it is business as usual at the airport. The airport is, and will continue to be, open for business.”
glasgowprestwick.com