Described as a "major upgrade to Alderney Airport, including essential repairs to the main runway" the work would "address the deterioration in the condition of the runway, which was last resurfaced in 1999."

Some preliminary work, including extensive patch repairs have since been carried out, but both islands have said "more significant reconstruction is now required to maintain regulatory compliance."

Pictured: Alderney's airport runway (image from Wikipedia).

Both the States of Alderney and the States of Guernsey are said to be behind "the recommended scheme" which would see work to reconstruct the main runway and other paved areas at the airport, including the apron area, where aircraft park to load and unload passengers, and the taxiway that links it to the runway.

The proposals also say that the runway will be restored to its "original width of 23 metres" with new lighting and drainage installed, all of which will help cut the number of cancelled or delayed flights.

'These elements will provide significant operational improvements, and result in fewer flights to and from the island being cancelled or delayed.'

The plans which have been published at gov.gg were not the only ones considered though, with wider talks about works to accommodate larger aircraft proving fruitless.

The other options considered for the project included strengthening and extending the 877 metre runway, to accommodate larger aircraft. It was thought this "may attract other airlines to provide more flights and potentially more routes. That would improve connectivity, bringing wider economic benefits such as population growth and increased tourism."

However, a detailed economic appraisal estimated the additional cost, including extra security requirements, at up to £19 million and it was decided the "anticipated benefits did not justify the investment, as the size of the Alderney market does not warrant larger aircraft."

'Bigger planes were therefore more likely to result in reduced frequency and increased operating costs, leading to higher fares or extra subsidies.'

Another option that was considered would see the current length retained but the runway strengthened in preparation for a future extension and larger aircraft. This is not being recommended, but the proposed development will allow an extension at a later date, should it become economically viable.

Installing a hard surface to one of Alderney’s two current grass runways was also among the early options considered. The review concluded this was unnecessary, as they were mostly used by private aircraft, and only occasionally.

While Aurigny's trislanders had previously used the grass runways, the airline's current Dornier aircraft "have better cross-wind performance."

Pictured: Part of the proposals for the Alderney airport runway improvements. You can read the full plans here. 

The States ofGuernsey will be asked to approve plans for the States Trading Supervisory Board to spend up to £460,000 to "progress the design of the recommended scheme, through to tendering for a specialist contractor to carry out the works and regulatory approval."

If that is given the green light, then a contractor could be appointed by the end of 2019, with construction beginning in 2020. The work would then be expected to be completed around spring 2021.

STSB President, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, said the refurbishment is an urgent priority for both islands.

“The States recently agreed a new air transport licensing policy, which acknowledged the Alderney/Guernsey air service is a lifeline for the island. However because of the age of the main runway and other paved areas, and their gradual deterioration over time, Alderney Airport is now in urgent need of refurbishment.

“This represents a much-needed and significant investment in the island’s infrastructure, to help safeguard its essential air links.

“The programme has looked in detail at various options, to identify the most appropriate scope. That includes an extension to the runway which would open up the possibility of larger aircraft. However having been through a comprehensive evaluation, looking at both the technical aspects and potential economic benefits, the size of the market currently would not benefit from larger aircraft. However it remains an option for the future.”

Pictured top: Alderney Airport.