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Guernsey could get a runway extension for a fraction of the cost that has previously been claimed, politicians have been told.
The Guernsey Aviation Action Group organised two presentations this week from the Swedish company Runway Safe, who make specilised Aircraft Arresting systems.
This Engineered Material Arrest System, or EMAS, is utilised at airports around the world who have complicated runway layouts, nearby residential or business districts, or places with environmental concerns - and could be installed here for £10m, they say.
Runway Safe says in the 23 arrests made, it has saved around 240 lives, and millions of pounds in repair costs for airlines and airports.
Essentially it uses a specialist bespoke form of concrete which is intentionally designed to be weaker, more fragile, and better at slowing a plane overshooting its landing. When an aircraft goes too far, it will crack through the tarmac surface, like a concrete creme brulee, digging into the looser material below, and coming to a softer stop.
It is made by using one of two specialist types of concrete, one with a more traditional ingredient list, and a “green” alternative which uses recycled glass, which gets crushed into a fine powder and then mixed with a foaming agent.
It is primarily used by airports who have that extra need for runoff space. London City installed EMAS systems in March last year, due to residential, commercial and business buildings nearby.
Three plans were presented to the island's politicians and public over two separate meetings this week.
One would see an EMAS placed on the west side of the runway, one on the east, and the final plan had an arresting system placed on either side of the runway.
By installing an EMAS, Guernsey Airport could utilise its existing tarmacked runoff space, as extra runway. Meaning bigger planes, carrying more people and cargo, could arrive without the need for any land purchases or physical extensions to the runway itself.
Those behind the plans and presentations stated it could get close to the magic figure that allows larger jets to land here.
Previous proposals for a runway extension have ranged wildly in costs. Those backing this plan say that instead of £80m. to buy up land, tarmac it, and then make it safe for use, just £10m. would be used to install an EMAS at Guernsey Airport, and open up that extra length.
The Guernsey Aviation Action Group has been vocal for a number of years when it comes to the topic of the Islands air links, and member of the group, and former deputy, Jo Mooney feels an EMAS in Guernsey could lead to connections across Europe.
“We would have capabilities of getting well into Europe. There are just four airports in Europe in which you should fly to, or try to fly to. It’s been highlighted in many reports, they’re Heathrow, Dublin, Schipol, and Charles de Gaul.
“They’re the main four hubs in the world if you want to fly.”
The group say that with an EMAS in place, it would essentially mean Guernsey has a 1780 Metre runway, if they installed one on either end it would be increased to 2000 metres.
With length like that Guernsey could welcome in some larger Jets safely, and Mr Mooney says this could lead to larger commercial airlines landing locally.
“We have an infrastructure that’s capable of taking in 1.25 Million at Guernsey Airport and the best we’ve done is 880,000.
“Having a code share with British Airways is seriously important and would allow us to be on the front cover of their inflight magazine, for us to get that kind of exposure, to pay for it, would be in the region of £1.5m.”
Pictured: Former Deputy Jo Mooney has been outspoken with GAAG on the need to improve Guernsey's air links.
The Swedish company were founded in 2014 by a group of pilots and experienced aviation professionals. They adopted the EMAS system, making their own tweaks to an invention born from the 90s. In 2020 they bought out their main competition and have continued to expand, with the purchase of Sarsys earlier this year.
Around 100 airports around the globe use their system.
Mikael Larsson is a former Pilot and a Director of Runway Safe and Sarsys. He gave presentations at the OGH and fielded questions from politicians and the public.
“It seems to be a little on the fence here of if they’re going to expand the airport or not, but if the people come to the conclusion they want to expand the airport, I think EMAS is a good product for that.
“There’s some basic research done that says one overrun and destroyed aircraft would pay for 20/30 EMAS.
“I would say that the EMAS system itself would cost around £5m to £7m, plus then a little bit of work around the airport, maybe another £2m or £3m, so probably around £10m in total.”
What was the reaction like?
Questions flowed fluidly and frequently following the conclusion of the presentation, with a real mixed opinion.
Some sought answers on construction, which would see local firms trained to install the Arresting Systems. Some sought clarification on how the EMAS system extends the runway, and many, many more revolved around cost.
Pictured: Deputy Chris Blin, Vice President of Transport Licensing and Member of the Development and Planning Authority.
Deputy Chris Blin was one of those in attendance at the public meeting.
“I think it’s very practical. Number one, it reduces the risk to harm of both passengers and aircraft, but number two, it creates additional space, an area for the safe arrival of aircraft, which can have larger payloads, whether it be fuel or passengers, which would really give us the chance for some economic enabling.
“I do believe strongly that economic enabling for Guernsey is a priority. When you start researching the options for it, this one does get your attention, because it actually has all the potential for both safety, extension and cost, to improve our connectivity and economy.”
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