From today's Business AM
Oban airport could be Highlands and Islands hub
by Jim Gough
Published: 00:05 GMT, Aug 28, 2001
OBAN airport could become a regional hub to service the Highlands and Islands.
Argyll and Bute Council, which owns the airport, said last night that an application to run scheduled flights would be lodged with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Paul Keegan, the managing director of Total Logistics Concepts, which operates the airport, welcomed the local authority's decision. But he warned that a major investment would be needed to bring the facility up to CAA standards.
He said: "It's a positive move, but there is a long way to go. We would need an infrastructure upgrade before building up to a scheduled service.
"Ideally we would like all the island services to be run through Oban, with a link possibly to Prestwick, which is a low-cost airport.
When we took over, there was an average of 80 [aircraft] visits a year. That has increased to 1,300 last year. We had people travelling in from Brussels and Madrid on business jets."
Four years ago, Total Logistics Concepts took over responsibility for the landing strip and refuelling facilities which were used during the Second World War. The company will bid for a franchise to run an expanded service if the CAA bid succeeds.
Argyll and Bute Council has set up a committee chaired by the Oban North councillor, David Webster, to formulate the application and seek funds for upgrading from the Scottish executive through the Highland partnership programme.
Mr Webster said: "It will open up business opportunities and develop tourism as the airport is so close to island ferry links."