Airport considers night time shutdown
31.01.09
Prestwick Airport bosses are considering closing the hub each night from midnight to 06:00 in an attempt to save money, the Evening Times reports. But a union leader says the move could threaten security.
As previously reported, airport bosses have put staff on a 90 day consultation and are trying to come up with a plan to boost revenue following a drop in cargo and passengers. Managers say they are trying to avoid job cuts among the 500 workers, but they are considering cost-cutting measures including the nightly shutdown.
However, the Unite union, which represents 240 staff, says ending the 24-hour operation could have implications for overnight staff, including air traffic control and security. A spokesman told the newspaper: ‘Airports are at risk of security breaches and protests. If you close an airport at night this could have implications for security. I don't think this proposal will sit well with Government guidelines on airport security.’
However, Prestwick's chief executive Mark Rodwell insisted any changes would not result in a loss of service or security . He said: ‘Of the scheduled cargo flights, there is only one during the night so it would be sensible for us to consider the night time hours we operate. There will be no compromise on security, safety and compliance as a result of any changes’
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book parking prestwick airport or hotel prestwick airport at the lowest price, click on the links to two great prestwick airport car parking and prestwick airport hotel price comparison websites.
