Tour Around Prestwick Airport

The cluster of Aerospace companies based around Prestwick airport is hugely important to the economy of Scotland and the job security of over 4,500 people. Allan MacKenzie is the Chair of the Prestwick Aerospace Operational Group. The group is a forum for the companies based around Prestwick Airport. He has also set up the Prestwick Aviation Tours and is an amazing source of knowledge about the history and development of Prestwick from its beginning to today.

Members of Ayr Rotary group gathered in the village of Monkton and Allan pointed out the original site of aviation at Prestwick using a colour printed brochure supplied to everyone. He also referred to some of the remaining hangars and where the Glasgow road crossed the main runway. Allan told how Prestwick had developed from a flying training and engineering base to the biggest airport in the UK with truly international ambitions at the end of World War 2.

He gradually moved through the years highlighting the airport’s rich history,

Allan talked about the importance of the freight services which were growing rapidly. The careers opportunities for engineers and employees of the major companies around Prestwick were mentioned. Companies like NATS and GE engine overhaul, Ryanair training academy and links between Ayrshire College and the employers.

Time was spent talking about the financial situation of the airport and the possible sale back into private hands.

When Elvis stopped over in Prestwick, on his way home from Germany, after his stint in the US Army, the plain, austere building was his welcome to Scotland. However at Adamton House, a US Air Force officers’ club, from 1951 to 1967, he enjoyed some R & R before flying home to the States.

The airport is currently in Scottish government ownership, however it is likely to be sold back into the private sector now it is profitable. Allan sees Prestwick as a national strategic treasure for Scotland. It’s an airport that’s by the sea, it has rail links and it has road links. The Scottish government bought it from its New Zealand owners in 2013 and the airport has gone from strength to strength. It currently has over 4,500 jobs in surrounding areas in the aerospace industry and manufacturing industry with huge potential for the future as well.

A special thanks to Allan Mackintosh for his very knowledgeable presentation and answering so many questions so fully. Alan Meikle gave a worthy vote of thanks.