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A public drop-in to discuss options for improving Alderney’s airport was hailed as “really encouraging” by one of the island’s representatives in the States of Guernsey, Alex Snowdon.
The drop-in, hosted at Alderney’s Island Hall, featured a presentation of possible developments for the Alderney airport site delivered by local senior professionals.
The options presented included: widening Alderney's runway, extending its length, and developing it to take heavier aircraft as well as improving facilities at the airport.
Guernsey Ports Managing Director Colin Le Ray and Chief Operating Officer Ross Coppolo appeared alongside Nico Bezuidenhout, Chief Executive of Aurigny, to deliver the presentations and take questions from the attending public.
Representative Snowdon said the first of two meetings on Tuesday saw “lots of community members through the door” and claimed that there was “lots of interest for option C – the runway extension".
Pictured: Aurigny CEO Nico Bezuidenhout engaged in conversation with Alderney residents at the public drop-in.
Representative Snowdon argued that increasing the length of Alderney’s runway would help to reduce losses from the Public Service Agreement the island entered with Aurigny and would drive towards a model for the airport which includes the use of ATR aircraft.
ATRs are used extensively by Aurigny for its Guernsey-based operations.
He argued that in any case “more meetings are required on this issue” but recognised that “the community has been very supportive” of this initial public consultation.
There was a “tremendous turnout” according to Mr Snowdon, who estimated that over 300 people attended the 13:00 drop-in, with many more expected to attend later in the day.
A gallery of images from the drop-in can be viewed below:
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