Alderney public visit runway

Thursday 28 July 2022

More than 100 Alderney residents have been shown around the island's runway to allow them to see “the scope and urgency of the work needed to bring it up to date”.

They were invited to ask questions about options for the future of the runway which are currently being studied by politicians in Guernsey - including the possibility of extending it - as well as seeing the latest repairs made to the runway earlier this month.

The event was organised by the States of Alderney and Guernsey's States' Trading Supervisory Board as part of a commitment to engage with Alderney residents ahead of a debate on the runway which Guernsey's States' Assembly is expected to hold later this year.

Officials from Guernsey Ports were on hand to discuss the various runway options with residents. There were also representatives present from Aurigny, which operates services to Alderney subsidised by the States under a public service obligation. 

Pictured: Ports Safety and Compliance Manager, Matt Capazario, points out a section of runway earmarked for future repair. 

"Safeguarding Alderney’s lifeline transport links by extending the runway is an essential component of the Island Plan approved earlier this year," said the States of Alderney.

"The island’s Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored light refreshments at the community event, is also fully supportive of the extension option, together with the redevelopment of the terminal and fire station (known as Option C+)."

They said that the vision of the Island Plan is "to ensure that the island maximises prosperity and resilience, thus becoming a more sustainable island with excellent accessibility and digital connectivity, with a vibrant economy and a happy, healthy community".

Pictured: The States of Alderney said that extending the island's runway was "an essential component of the Island Plan".

"Future-proofing the airport with a longer runway to the benefit of the Island and the Bailiwick is a crucial part of this [Island] Plan," said Alderney States' member Ian Carter, who was recently elected Chairman of the senior committee, Policy & Finance.

"However, it is not about the type of aircraft that will be able to use the airport, it is about the type of community we want to be and the type of community we can be.

"Our vision is for a community which also values and protects its unique heritage and natural environment as an autonomous member of the Crown Dependencies, but with a focus on our excellent relationship with Guernsey, where we want to play our part in the success of the Bailiwick.

"Excellent transport links are vital in enabling our vision, so having the infrastructure of the extended runway and improved airport would enable the vision to be achieved as it gives flexibility and greater attractiveness for a future where aviation is key but its form is not defined."

Guernsey Ports Managing Director, Colin Le Ray, recently told Quay FM listeners that that the States' Trading Supervisory Board wanted to take the proposals to the States' Assembly "as soon as possible" and that a policy letter is expected this autumn.

"We believe Option C+ [which includes extending the runway] offers the best value for money over 15 to 20 years with the savings that can be achieved over time," said Mr Le Ray.

Alderney's representatives in Guernsey's States' Assembly - Alex Snowdon and Steve Roberts - attended the event and posted video footage on social media. 

Public invited to see behind the scenes at Alderney Airport

Excellent event from @GuernseyAirport @Alderneyairport

Detailed tour showing the poor state of Alderney runway, explaining options to residents and emphasized why future-proofing is so important. Well attended event. pic.twitter.com/YUIqUckNCj

— Alex Snowdon (@AlexSnowdon5) July 27, 2022

Hundred plus view Alderney prospect plans for longer runway. .

Future proof and give the economy a chance . pic.twitter.com/JpQ45Zkb7p

— steve roberts (@captainpipkin) July 26, 2022