Jobs threat at Prestwick Airport
21.01.09
Prestwick Airport has been running at a loss for the past two months and is carrying out a business review that could lead to job losses. The airport has been hit by the economic downturn and management have started a 90-day consultation process with staff to look at reducing costs, whilst also trying to boost revenue.
Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that the airport had been running at a loss for the last couple of months. He said: ‘The intention is certainly to stay open and the 90 days is not linked to the decision to stay open or not. We have entered into a review process to look for ways to deliver efficiencies, cost savings and revenue improvements.'
‘Our business development team is working hard to offset the recent loss of freight and charter traffic by exploring a number of opportunities with potential new airlines. While these are difficult times we are optimistic about the long-term future of the airport, which has always recovered well in the past.’
Mr Rodwell said passenger services had been ‘strong’ during 2008 but he anticipated a ‘difficult year with many challenges’ ahead. He said it was too early to say what the impact would be on staff but the aim would be ‘to avoid job losses where possible’.
However, according to press reports around 240 jobs could be axed as part of the 'major cost-cutting plan'. The Evening News says that the 90-day consultation period has started with 500 staff at the airport. The most recent CAA figures show passengers on charter flights were down nearly one-fifth compared to the previous year.
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