Infrastructure

Supporting UK regional connectivity

Creating a leading airports group to enable more efficient and sustainable regional air travel.

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Sector Infrastructure
Sub-sector Transport
Location United Kingdom

Opportunity

The primary airports of Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Southampton provide essential domestic and international connectivity to three important regional economic and population centres of the UK. 

In 2014, Macquarie Asset Management partnered in the creation of AGS Airports – uniting the three airports under one group with the aim of advancing their contribution to the UK’s regional development, enhancing the passenger experience, and delivering more sustainable air travel. 


Approach

Macquarie and its co-shareholder have worked collaboratively with AGS Airports to develop its route network and identify initiatives that would prepare each airport for sustained passenger growth. 

Construction commenced in 2015 on a landmark project to transform facilities for passengers at Aberdeen International Airport. In 2019, significant investment was allocated to enhance access and improve the experience for users of Glasgow Airport.

Following the collapse of key regional carriers, Macquarie worked with AGS Airports to identify solutions that would secure Southampton Airport’s ongoing viability as a regional transport hub.

Outcome

A four-year construction project at Aberdeen International Airport became the airport’s largest investment in capacity since opening in 1977 – increasing terminal space by 50 per cent to accommodate enhanced security facilities, an increased retail offering, new areas for international and domestic baggage reclaims, expanded business lounges, and new immigration and arrivals facilities.1

At Glasgow Airport, Macquarie supported investment in a dedicated pick-up and drop-off facility alongside a new consolidated car rental centre to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic. Significant investment was also delivered to expand the airport’s security facilities by 20 per cent, while further diversifying retail and lounge options for passengers.2

Southampton Airport moved forward with plans to secure its contribution to regional connectivity and growth. Following a £15 million investment, the airport opened a 164-metre runway extension in 2023. The extension enables Southampton Airport to accommodate larger aircraft and diversify its route network, for the benefit of communities across the South East.

Whilst pursuing these projects, AGS Airports has committed to achieving net zero for its direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by the mid-2030s.3 This commitment builds on the group’s success in sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy, introducing the first fleet of zero-emissions electric buses at any UK airport, and achieving carbon neutral status in 2020.4 AGS Airports is also supporting airport users to reduce their emissions, making sustainable aviation fuel available at Aberdeen Airport and exploring the development of infrastructure for hydrogen and electric flight. 

Delivering an enhanced passenger experience

Invested in a 164-metre runway extension at Southampton Airport

Committed to net zero emissions by mid-2030s

AGS Airports connects communities in Scotland and the South East to the world. Its airports underpin the UK’s regional development, and we’re committed to providing them with the resources they need to grow and adapt to the future of aviation.”

Martin Bradley
Head of Infrastructure EMEA
Macquarie Asset Management