The Transport Minister Derek Mackay has officially opened a £3.3m extension at Glasgow Airport.

The project included developing a two-storey, 1,400 square metre extension to one of the airpot's three piers.

As well as creating new boarding areas for passengers, it also increases the total number of Code E stands, which enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft for long haul services, to six.

The project was completed earlier this summer and allows the airport to accommodate an additional 750,000 passengers each year.

The work was undertaken by Balfour Beatty.

Minister Mackay said: "Glasgow Airport has attracted a number of new long haul services and this development will help build on that success. Not only will it be able to accommodate bigger aircraft, but it will also provide improved facilities for departing passengers."

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Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: "The fact that this project was completed within a year of it being undertaken demonstrates the strength of our partnership working with construction firm Balfour Beatty. Not only will this extension allow us to accommodate an additional 750,000 passengers a year, it has also created more space and better facilities for our customers to enjoy."

Stephen Scott, Balfour Beatty Managing Director, added: "Balfour Beatty has a long-standing relationship with Glasgow airport having worked together to successfully deliver the design and construction of the East Pier extension, the current terminal remodelling and through the Raynesway brand continuing civil engineering works.

"The opening of the East Pier is a significant milestone in the enhancement and expansion of the airport."

With the east pier now complete, Glasgow Airport has invested more than £25 million in enhancing its facilities during 2014 and 2015.

This includes a major refurbishment of the international arrivals area, modernisations to the main check-in hall, the landscaping of a new public space at the front of the terminal, and general improvements to the airport’s road network.

(LM)