Scotland's gateway airport has announced a multi-million pound investment package over the next two years as bosses predict a return to growth in 2010.

Glasgow Airport is to spend £25m on new capital projects designed to provide a better experience for passengers, upgrade essential infrastructure and improve access to the airport.

The airport will invest £12 million in 2010, followed by a further £13 million in 2011.

Improvements to the airport road system, a terminal pier upgrade, a new food court, a new runway lighting system and upgrades to the airfield taxiway system are among the developments planned.

The airport's main passenger lounge, skylounge, will also be refurbished along with improvements to the internal layouts of the main terminal building to create a more seamless passenger journey through the airport.

Glasgow Airport is also contributing £1 million towards the cost of the M74 extension which, it is hoped, will reduce journey times to and from the airport.

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Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: "This investment package is good news for passengers, and good news for the economy of Glasgow and the west of Scotland, particularly at a time of recession.

"These improvements will deliver a better passenger experience, provide enhanced terminal facilities, and improve the efficiency of our taxiway and runway infrastructure, which are essential for the smooth operation of the airport.

"This is a significant investment in the future of Glasgow Airport, and underlines our commitment to grow the airport and deliver a better customer experience for our passengers."

This is the latest in a series of high profile investments at Glasgow Airport.

Last year, Glasgow Airport opened the doors to a £31 million terminal extension - the biggest single investment for more than a decade. The 'skyhub' extension includes a new security search area, arrivals hall, additional seating capacity, and a wider choice of bars, shops and restaurants.

Between now and 2014, when Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games, the airport expects to spend between £85 million and £100 million on new terminal and airfield facilities.

Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council said: "The importance of the airport to the local economy cannot be overestimated. Investment in improving Glasgow Airport is an investment in jobs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland."

Airport MD Amanda McMillan confirmed that the airport is in discussion with new and existing airlines in a bid to secure several new routes for 2010, and is working to backfill the capacity lost by Globespan. More than a third of the capacity has been replaced by existing carriers at Glasgow, including easyJet, Thomas Cook, Thomson and Virgin Atlantic.

(GK/BMcC)