Scottish firm to build new Ryanair hangar at Prestwick Airport

23/02/2010

By Sam Lock.

A Scottish firm has obtained the contract to build a new Ryanair heavy maintenance facility at Prestwick Airport.

Barr Construction is set to head the project, which will see £8 million invested in a new hangar to support the carrier's 200-strong fleet of aircraft.

Measuring 6,600 sq m, the three-bay facility is expected to create 200 jobs for local people when it becomes fully operational in September 2010.

Barclay Chalmers, managing director of Barr Construction, commented on the agreement: "This contract will enable us to continue our involvement in the ongoing upgrade of Prestwick Airport, having completed late last year the expansion and refurbishment of the departure lounge."

Mr Chalmers added that it is "a significant contract" for the company.

In other news, this month saw the airline announce five new routes from Prestwick Airport.

Beginning in May, the carrier will offer flights to Malaga, Palma, Alicante, Faro and Carcassonne from the Scottish hub.

It currently operates six aircraft at Prestwick.