• £300 million investment over next ten years
• 26 million passengers a year by 2030
• Major expansion of Edinburgh’s international route network
• Thousands of additional jobs; expansion of cargo base
• Ambitious targets to improve public transport to and from airport
• Commitment to develop airport in a sustainable and responsible manner

An ambitious blueprint for Scotland’s capital airport was unveiled today, as airport operator BAA Scotland detailed its plans to make Edinburgh Airport one of Europe’s top international gateways.

The Edinburgh Airport Master Plan, launched by airport managing director Richard Jeffrey, is the culmination of over 12 months of detailed discussions with local and national government, local residents, the business community and the tourism industry, on the future of Edinburgh Airport and its place in an increasingly competitive global market.

Mr Jeffrey said: “We have produced a Master Plan which we believe reflects the ambitions of the city of Edinburgh, while addressing the concerns of our local communities. We have listened to those communities and responded with a blueprint for the future of Edinburgh Airport that is ambitious, achievable and, above all, sustainable.”

The Master Plan reflects the principles of the UK Government’s 2003 White Paper, The Future of Aviation, which set out the framework for the future development of major UK airports, including Edinburgh Airport. The Master Plan shows how BAA Edinburgh intends to deliver the White Paper’s aims, in a sustainable and responsible manner.

It sets out in detail how Edinburgh Airport will develop up to the year 2013, and the terminal and airfield facilities required to meet the forecast growth in air travel. It also looks in more general terms at the period up to 2030.

The document, essentially a planning blueprint, is a revised version of an earlier draft published in 2005. A three month public consultation, the most comprehensive ever conducted by BAA Edinburgh, was held after the publication of the draft Master Plan in May 2005 and attracted responses from the public, politicians, community groups and Government agencies.

The revised Master Plan sets out how BAA Edinburgh aims to maximise the positive social and economic impacts of aviation as it strives to build a world class airport infrastructure, while mitigating against the environmental impacts of air travel.

Over a third of the content has changed from the draft document, reflecting BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to listen, and respond to, the local community.

The 2005 consultation
Following the publication of the draft Master Plan, a series of public drop-in sessions were held to give local stakeholders an opportunity to discuss BAA Edinburgh’s proposals face to face with airport managers.

The wide ranging consultation attracted a total of 86 responses from a cross section of the community. Responses were received from airport neighbours, local authorities, politicians, business groups, environmental and transport groups and community groups.

Consultants were commissioned to conduct an independent analysis and summary of the views expressed during the consultation.

Their report identified a number of key issues including public transport and car use, proposals for a second runway, the impact of airport development on local communities and aircraft noise.

In addition to the public consultation, a MORI survey was also carried out in the autumn of 2005 to establish the views of over 500 local residents on the future development of Edinburgh Airport, which showed an 81% favourability rating. Key issues raised in the survey have been reflected, where ever possible, in the revised Master Plan.

So, what’s changed?
The revised Master Plan has been extensively re-written following the public consultation. Key sections on aircraft noise, the environment, public transport and passenger forecasting have been updated and expanded to reflect the progress made by BAA Edinburgh. The revised document also provides a detailed response to each of the comments and questions posed during the public consultation.

On aircraft noise, the Master Plan highlights the introduction of a 24 hour free phone noise hotline, and plans by BAA Edinburgh to fine airlines in breach of agreed noise thresholds. Money raised from these fines will be invested in local community projects and good causes. It also details plans by BAA Edinburgh to introduce voluntary measures to address existing day time noise issues. Details of the plan will be announced separately.

On the environment, a new section has been added on climate change to make clear BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to tackle aviation’s contribution to greenhouse emissions through an EU emissions trading scheme. The Master Plan also sets out efforts by BAA Edinburgh to reduce energy use across the airport campus.

On air quality, there is a commitment to carry out regular monitoring of air quality around the airport, with the results being shared with Edinburgh City Council. On surface water drainage, the Master Plan outlines efforts by BAA Edinburgh, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and others, to protect local water quality.

On passenger forecasts, the Master Plan explains in detail how BAA Edinburgh arrives at its forecasts, and the role external factors, such as the cost of oil, play in determining the future development of Edinburgh Airport.

Transport links were identified during the consultation as a key priority, vital to the future development of the airport, including tram and rail. On this issue, the Master Plan has been substantially re-written to reflect BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to public transport. Edinburgh Airport has increased the number of passengers using public transport from 1 million in 2002 to 1.7 million today - 20% of total passenger numbers, a level which is among the highest in the UK for a regional airport. A separate Surface Access Strategy, detailing Edinburgh’s longer term ambitions, will be produced by the end of the year. BAA’s efforts to reduce private car use are also highlighted, including the prioritisation of public transport to the front of the terminal and the launch of a major bus information campaign throughout the airport. The Master Plan also underlines BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to support new and existing bus routes. In February 2006, the 747 service to Ferry Toll Park and Ride and Inverkeithing rail station was launched by Stagecoach. The Airlink 100 service has also seen a substantial increase in use as a result of recent prioritisation measures.

On community issues, the Master Plan points to the launch of a new community newsletter to keep local residents fully informed of airport developments, and the appointment of a full-time Public Affairs Manager to work pro-actively with the local community on issues of concern. In 2006 a Community Fund was also created in a bid to support local community projects and good causes.

Richard Jeffrey said: “I passionately believe that Edinburgh Airport’s success is good for Edinburgh and good for Scotland but we recognise that with greater success comes added responsibility. We will continue to work with our local communities, with local and national government, and with our airline partners to ensure that future growth is delivered in a responsible and sustainable manner. The Master Plan consultation was not an end in itself, it was simply the start of a long term process of engagement with the local community.”

As part of that process, a series of detailed briefing sessions will be held annually to keep local residents informed of airport developments. The first of these sessions will take place later this month.

Mr Jeffrey added: “Edinburgh and its airport are now major players on the world stage, attracting millions of business and leisure visitors every year. This Master Plan strengthens the foundations of this world-class airport, preparing it to meet the challenge of serving our world-class city.”

BAA’s vision for Edinburgh Airport was welcomed by local and national business and tourism leaders.

Philip Riddle, VisitScotland's Chief Executive said: "I welcome BAA Scotland's plans to make Edinburgh Airport one of Europe's top international gateways. Scotland has seen an encouraging growth in international visitors over the last five years, but we need to remain competitive to ensure that growth continues. The planned expansion of Edinburgh's international route network will play an important role in that on-going growth. I am also encouraged to see BAA Scotland's commitment to develop the airport in a sustainable manner by getting involved in an EU emissions trading scheme."

Scottish Council for Development and Industry Chief Executive Alan Wilson said:

"BAA's plans for long-term investment in Edinburgh Airport are excellent news for businesses in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. The airport generates significant jobs and income for the city's economy. Its expansion, to support increasing demand, will improve Scottish competitiveness by ensuring worldwide access for Scottish products and key global industries such as financial services. 

"Edinburgh Airport is not only the airport for Edinburgh and east central Scotland, but serves a much wider catchment area. The increased commitment to public transport links and sustainability is thus especially welcome."
Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “BAA Scotland's plans to invest in and grow Edinburgh Airport are excellent news for the future economy of the capital city. The continued investment in the expansion of international connections will enable us to grow our city, creating more jobs and new opportunities, not just for Edinburgh, but right across Scotland. I am also pleased to see that BAA Scotland is committed to developing the airport in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

The Edinburgh Airport Master Plan will be reviewed and updated every 5 years.

Media enquiries

Notes to the Editor

2006 Master Plan: key highlights

Passenger forecasts and route development
Passenger numbers at Edinburgh Airport have increased by 154% over the past ten years, rising from 3.3 million in 1996 to over 8.5 million today. By 2013, passenger numbers could reach almost 14 million, and as much as 26 million by 2030.

Much of the growth is expected to come from international travel. Ten years ago, the number of passengers flying on international services to and from the capital stood at almost 900,000. Today, almost 2.5 million passengers travel on international services. By 2030, half of all flights to and from Edinburgh will serve international destinations.

In the past three years alone, over 20 new international services have been introduced at Edinburgh, including flights to New York, Atlanta, Hamburg, Cologne, Moscow, Warsaw, Prague and Stockholm.

Employment and economy
A report by the Fraser of Allander Institute, published in 2002, found that Edinburgh Airport supports more than 7,500 jobs across Scotland, including some 2,300 directly employed at the airport. If the airport expands in line with forecasts, direct employment could increase to 5,700 by 2013 and to 9,000 by 2030. The number of people whose jobs and livelihoods depend indirectly on the airport is likely to increase at a similar rate, leading to thousands of additional jobs.

Edinburgh Airport currently generates almost £290 million a year for the Scottish economy. As the airport grows and develops, so too will its economic contribution. A revised Fraser of Allander Report will be published later this year and will reflect the recent growth of the airport and the economic impact of several key routes.

The Master Plan sets out Edinburgh Airport’s ambitions to become a major cargo hub, serving destinations across the globe. As the airport attracts new international airlines, cargo traffic is forecast to more than double by 2030, boosting trade links between the capital and other key business centres around the world. Edinburgh Airport is an important centre for mail freight in Scotland. Despite inevitable advances in communication technology, mail tonnage is also forecast to increase substantially.

Investment
The revised Master Plan re-states BAA Edinburgh’s aim to invest in new terminal and airfield facilities to cater for the forecast increase in passenger numbers.

In the past ten years, more than £220 million has been spent upgrading terminal and airfield facilities at Edinburgh, including the recently opened £11 million Air Traffic Control tower. With passenger numbers set to double within a decade, BAA Edinburgh has earmarked almost £300 million for investment in new infrastructure over the next ten years, the equivalent of £1 million a week.

Terminal and airfield facilities
Additional terminal capacity will be required for check-in, baggage reclaim, departure lounge and boarding gate facilities. The first stage of this development, a new £17 million pier adjoining the main terminal, is already underway and nearing completion.

On the airfield, additional taxiways and new aircraft stands will be required to meet the projected increase in air traffic. Additional maintenance hangars and other ancillary facilities will also be required.

Land Use
The Master Plan sets out in detail the land use requirements of a growing airport. In summary, an additional 15.5 hectares of land will be required by 2013 to enable ancillary developments. This will not lead to any loss of housing.

The purchase of additional parcels of land outwith the existing boundary would be required to facilitate the expansion of cargo facilities. Additional land – some 85 hectares (210 acres) - to the south of the existing terminal will also be required to increase terminal and airfield capacity, and ancillary services. For the proposed second runway, an additional 280 hectares north of the existing boundary would be required.

Sustainable development
The Master Plan re-iterates BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to deliver new infrastructure incrementally, and in a sustainable manner. Any major developments would be subject to local authority approval and would be open to public scrutiny. Environmental assessments would be carried out to determine the impact, if any, on local communities.

Surface Access (transport links)
The Master Plan recognises the importance of good surface access and sets out a number of objectives designed to reduce private car use and promote a range of public transport options, including tram and rail. It also calls for improvements to the road network in the west of Edinburgh, including a direct link from the airport to Scotland’s trunk road network, most likely at the M8.

Second runway
The Master Plan re-states BAA Edinburgh’s commitment to build a second runway at Edinburgh Airport, should it be required. The document gives an indication of where an additional runway, which the Government has predicted will be needed, would be built and the additional land take required for such a project. BAA Edinburgh believes that an additional runway will not be required before 2030. However, it will be for future Master Plans to determine if and when a second runway will be built.

Next steps
A copy of the Master Plan has been submitted to the Scottish Executive as part of the Draft West Edinburgh Planning Framework Review. This document will set out the policy framework for development in the west of Edinburgh to 2030.

Following the launch of the revised Master Plan, public information sessions will be held in Kirkliston, Broxburn, Ratho Station and Cramond. A community newsletter detailing BAA Edinburgh’s plans will also be distributed to almost 10,000 local households.

Copies of the Master Plan are available online at www.edinburghairport.comand can also be obtained by writing to Anne Follin, planning manager, Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, EH12 9DN.