GSM763 said; The M74 extension into central Glasgow may have altered the figures a bit however.
GustyOrange said; The M80 upgrade will have altered the figured significantly as well.
That's true, but it works both ways. It brings some people closer to GLA and some people closer to EDI. I suspect the net result will be fairly neutral with neither airport gaining more than the other.
The Hypnoboon said; "...using BAA's guide price, and the estimates from the Scotsman, a potential investor in EDI is going to have to fork out £800 million to purchase and upgrade the airport to cater for long haul (or heavier aircraft) at Edinburgh, and in this financial climate, I can see very few companies or consortia being willing to shell out that sort of money for an airport, which may take many a year to return on that investment."
That's fair comment and part of the reason why we can't necessarily rely on a new owner fixing all of the perceived weaknesses at EDI. At the end of the day investors will look for a return on their investment, after all, they have a choice where they put their money. They can put in a bank and get a few per cent return. They can buy bonds or shares. They can invest in any one of a multitude of other things. They will only invest in EDI if they believe that the returns will justify the investment and they will only invest in improving the facilities if such improvements also provide a suitable return.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens at EDI in the next few years.