Requete to make more use of the existing Runway

Friday 29 June 2018

A new plan that would see the airport's runway used more efficiently has been lodged by a Deputy.

Long term supporter of lengthening the runway, Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher bought forward the new requete to direct the States' Trading Supervisory Board to look at whether an undershoot or overrun on the current Westerly runway is acceptable.

It also calls for it to be identified if any safety enhancements would be required to enable the commissioning of 107 metres of the starter strip (paved RESA), or to mitigate the reduction in length of the RESA from 197 metres to 90 metres.

In essence the plans would extend the useable area of the current runway, and "pursue the possibility of utilising existing airport infrastructure for maximum operational benefits in the pursuit of lower air fares and improving air links". It would do this by shrinking the buffer zones and, thus in turn, extending the real terms runway.

In doing so, the runway would effectively be extended from 1463m to 1570m.

Previously Deputy Kuttelwascher has called for the runway to be extended by 257 metres to 1,720 metres – very slightly longer than Jersey’s. With that proposal having never gained traction, and a review of air and sea links currently underway, Deputy Kuttelwasher is asking the States to examine whether a slight decrease in the safety area of the runway – in effect adding another 107 metres to it the useable area – would be feasible.

Deputy Kuttelwascher said this would allow Aurigny to operate a fully loaded Airbus A319 to and from the airport. Currently such an aircraft can be used, but not with a maximum complement of passengers. Aurigny do not own an A319 – the list price for one in today’s exchange rates is £70m. – enough money to buy the States-owned airline two more of its existing jet aircraft, the Embraer 195, and have £20m. left over.

However, Aurigny’s current jet can carry 122 people, and the A319 cup to 156. Deputy Kuttelwascher said this would allow lower prices to be offered. It would also, he stated, mean more far-flung destinations could be added to the route map.

If the requete is passed, the States Trading Supervisory Board would be directed to consult with the Director of Civil Aviation to determine if a 90 metre “undershoot” of the runway end safety area on runway 27 is acceptable, and a 90 metre “overrun” on runway 09 is acceptable. Any safety enhancements required for reducing the RESA from 197 metres to 90 metres – the minimum legally allowed – would also be explored.

If the evidence supported commissioning 107 metres, STSB would have to return to the States by 31 March next year with a Policy Letter containing cost estimates.