Glasgow Prestwick
I have read Andrew Millars comments with interest and the responses from other contributors.
The challenge Prestwick faces is, unfortunately, down to some very poor decisions taken 7-8 years ago by the previous airport management.
Further, the failure to actively attract airlines on routes that would need some form of financial support is unfortunate. Why the previous owners and management didnt actively engage in this arena is one which can be debated elsewhere.
The facts are that a change of approach, both looking at the Highlands and Islands is important, but with opportunity to open up more routes, with either tour operator support or niche operations, to Western Med (for holiday traffic initially) which will allow a ATOL bonded holiday to be purchased by consumers, should be developed.
At some point the expansion at the other airports will mean they come up against planning, environmental (noise & pollution issues) which puts Prestwick back onto their agenda.
Further, routes for business traffic, on niche operators, needs to be followed up; particularly to Western Europe. Brussels, etc.
There is also the Denmark connection, Billund, etc, which house the worlds largest offshore wind turbine developers and builders. With offshore activity on the west coast developing, then the likes of Siemens, Dong etc, will need to get across and set up appropriate bases. EMB 190, even a Jetstream, will provide capacity.
This then leads onto the heli support that is required. A couple of EC135's with hoists are needed for offshore turbine servicing. Prestwick is ideally based for this type of operation. These operations are profitable.
It may not stem the losses by much, but I believe these types of operation will deliver some bottom line profit of between £250-350 k per annum.
Once you develop this type of 'hub' more and more becomes attracted. Look at Humberside for instance, a very similar airport to Prestwick, with low volume of pax, but with strong diversification into offshore and more recently, offshore wind turbine servicing.
So, not an over night answer, but at least some opportunity to grow away from the other main airports.