Southampton Airport to benefit from £7m investment

Southampton Airport is set to benefit from investment of £7 million over the next year, it has been announced.

Airport operator BAA said that the financial injection is designed to improve the travel experience for the two million people who use the gateway on the south coast every year.

The range of developments will include new restaurant and coffee shop facilities, with the first outlets set to be unveiled before the end of the year and more opening scheduled before summer 2010.

A new footbridge will be installed at the airport, making access easier for rail passengers, including those with reduced mobility.

Southampton Airport also plans to improve its efficiency with the installation of new air conditioning units and the replacement of its roof glazing, creating a brighter terminal.

Kevin Brown, managing director of the base, said: "The investment of over £7 million in the next year is fantastic news in the current economic climate.

"All of the developments aim to enhance the easy, fast and friendly nature of the airport and have incorporated customer feedback to ensure our passengers have the best possible airport experience."

Flybe, Eastern Airways and Air France are among the carriers that use Southampton Airport, offering flights to Amsterdam, Aberdeen, Paris and other destinations.

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