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The States of Alderney has “underscored its support” of an extension to the island’s runway.
While the States of Alderney wait for Guernsey’s States Trading and Supervisory Board (STSB) to prepare and publish a policy letter on whether to extend Alderney’s runway, the island’s government has once again declared its support for the idea.
It follows a public consultation launched earlier this year that garnered support for option C out of three, an extension to the current runway and additional infrastructure improvements at the airport.
The public were given three options, A, B and C and voted to support the extension of the runway instead of a refurbishment.
The key benefits include an additional 20,000 seats per year provided by larger ATR aircraft that could land, a dedicated medivac service and the safeguarding of an Alderney-Southmapton route.
“This is a crucial payback to the Bailiwick that P&F [Policy & Finance] wishes to emphasise as our friends at the States of Guernsey consider the way ahead,” said Chairman of Alderney’s Policy & Finance Committee, Ian Carter.
“Option C+ will save money in the long-term and Alderney as part of the Bailiwick will benefit from increased numbers of visitors and people wanting to live here, thus boosting the economy and contributing more in tax. And I can’t emphasise enough the importance of a dedicated medevac service run separately to Aurigny that would bring us in line with modern health services to remote communities."
Pictured: “We are in regular discussions with Aurigny, the States Trading Supervisory Board, Guernsey Ports and the States of Guernsey about all of these matters,” said Mr Carter.
The States of Alderney also said an extended runway would, “reduce Alderney’s risk as it relates to potential future changes in regulatory dispensation on Alderney airport’s security measures”.
The island government has emphasised that the proposal to extend the runway has received widespread support from the island’s community and business leaders.
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