Airport bosses in the north and north-east have united to urge every Scottish MP to vote in favour of contentious plans to expand Heathrow.
The London airport wants to add a third runway, and the government has warned that the move could cost Aberdeen more than 1,100 flights by 2030.
However, chiefs at Aberdeen International Airport and the 11 airports in the Highlands have banded together to stress the benefits the proposal could have for the region to the Westminster politicians who will today vote on the proposals.
They believe that the expansion would double cargo capacity and create dozens of new domestic and international trading routes.
An open letter describes today’s vote as “a defining moment for Scotland’s future”, and has been backed by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Jacobite Cruises and others, including the chief executive of Glasgow Airport.
It states: “This vote matters to Scotland because a new runway is not just a piece of tarmac – it is a way of connecting people to travel and trade.
“Although our immediate priority should always be to grow our own route network, where a direct flight from Scotland isn’t immediately available, it is critical that we have direct and frequent access to Heathrow to fill these gaps.
“A new runway at Heathrow will mean enormous opportunities for growth, for people and businesses in every corner of Scotland.
“It means more of Scotland’s businesses, from salmon farmers to whisky distillers, can reach out and trade with the world.”
The letter also highlights expected boosts to tourism numbers created by more frequent and affordable domestic flights.
The expansion plans have been endorsed by various chambers of commerce and the Scottish Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Heathrow supporting its growth.
Opponents of the scheme have argued that the move would mean regional airports could need to be supported through government subsidies.
The SNP last night said that its members are yet to decide on how to vote today.
Conservative MP for Moray, Douglas Ross, said he would back the plans in the House of Commons vote, because of their potential to boost business and tourism.
Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrat MP, Alistair Carmichael, said the economic case for the third runway was “far from clear cut”.
He added: “It remains to be seen if the promised benefits ever materialise.”