PIK

[Clive]

Think someone’s been at the glue:

“Prestwick Airport to launch human space flights as money for venture pours in
Ayrshire site will be the leading horizontal launch Spaceport in Europe

Plans to send people into space from Prestwick Airport were revealed yesterday as an £80 million investment pours in for the transport hub.

Spaceport infrastructure is to be built at the airport under huge Ayrshire Growth Deal funding.

Offering passengers the chance to experience space tourism flights is one of the hopes of the commercial spaceport.

A document released by the UK Government today said “human space flight”, satellite launches and gravity free flying will form part of Preswick’s services.

South Ayrshire Council leader Peter Henderson described innovation at Prestwick as world leading.
Commenting on the spaceport plans to launch satellites he said: “It is the future. We can do it ourselves.”

The Ayrshire Growth Deal document said: “The investment will be a catalyst to establishing Glasgow Prestwick Airport as the leading horizontal launch Spaceport in Europe, providing a range of services including micro gravity flights, air launch of satellites, human space flight and hypersonic flight services.”

There will also be a visitor centre and innovation hub at the airport as well as more hangar space.
Ayrshire Growth Deal worth £251 million will turn region into "21st century powerhouse for growth"
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “The deal will deliver another boost to the UK’s growing space sector by funding a range of new, cutting-edge aerospace activities around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, including development of the spaceport site.

“This will not only create highly-skilled jobs across the region but also further the UK’s reputation as Europe’s leading new space destination and bring us one step closer to small satellite launches taking place in the UK.”

Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, Scottish transport and infrastructure minister Michael Matheson and council leader Councillors Henderson, Douglas Reid and Joe Cullinane signed the Ayrshire Growth Deal yesterday.

The airport development forms just a part of the £251 million deal, which hopes to create 7000 jobs. It aims to attract further private investment of £300 million.

Councillor Henderson added: “It has taken four years of work to get to this. It has been doom and gloom with Covid-19 but this brings hopes of regeneration. It is about bringing jobs and community wealth building.”

Ayrshire Growth Deal worth £251 million will turn region into "21st century powerhouse for growth"
The Scottish and UK Governments and councils all contributed to the regeneration cash pot.”

[Sharpal7]

Earning it's crust.

Reported on the ground this morning are:
2 x USAF C-130
4 X USAF C-135
5 X USAF C-17
1 X RCAF C-17
5 X USN P-8
2 X RAF A330
1 X RAF A400

Plus the stored B787s.

Foggy weather down south playing it's part.

[Clive]

Earning it's crust.

Reported on the ground this morning are:
2 x USAF C-130
4 X USAF C-135
5 X USAF C-17
1 X RCAF C-17
5 X USN P-8
2 X RAF A330
1 X RAF A400

Plus the stored B787s.

Foggy weather down south playing it's part.

Another KC-135 just landing now.

I had to visit a customer the other day who’s farmhouse cottage is tucked away right on the perimeter fence among the landing lights for R31. Sadly no movements while I was there but he has the finest location an avgeek could have.

[Ekally1]

Wonder if its a possibility the US military could purchase it

[Clive]

Wonder if its a possibility the US military could purchase it

I’d say no. No way would the Scottish Government sell the land and facility to a foreign military IMO.

[G-WATP]

Wonder if its a possibility the US military could purchase it

Michael Matheson was asked about selling it to 'the military' at the Scottish Parliament's Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee 07 October 2020 meeting (https://www.parliament.scot/parliamenta ... px?r=12888). Relevant exchange below. Note that the 'no plans' comment was made before the closing date for Expressions of Interest in the current sale process.

John Finnie:
I do not accept that position—if there is money to be made, it should be made by the public sector.

Would you rule out the sale of the facility to the military and further military use of that location?

Michael Matheson:
Yes—we have no plans to sell the airport to the military.

John Finnie:
What about further use of the facility by the military?

Michael Matheson:
You will be aware that Prestwick airport has provided refuelling stops for the military since the 1930s, and it continues to do so. That will continue to be a part of the niche market that Prestwick airport serves. It has been doing that for a significant period of time, and I do not see that changing.

John Finnie:
Okay, thank you; I will take that as a no

[Ekally1]

Wonder if its a possibility the US military could purchase it

I’d say no. No way would the Scottish Government sell the land and facility to a foreign military IMO.

However loop hole to get round that .. MOD buys it and leases it to USAF similar to lakenheath. Mildenhall etc etc ... prob wouldn't happen anyway just a thought

[Tob]

Antonov 22, Antonov 124 and Antonov 225 all reported to be visiting 1 weekend in December

Any update on this?

[Tob]

Thanks.

[hads]

As long as electricity supplies power the runway lights, this abomination will be to the detriment of of Glasgow Airport and its chances of becoming something of real contender to the Edinburgh set up.