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Extending Alderney's runway is essential for the future of the island, according to its key business lobby group.
Extending the runway is one option of three currently being investigated by Guernsey’s States Trading Supervisory Board.
The potential development has the support of the States of Alderney itself and several stakeholders. However, others have criticised the idea as only beneficial to Aurigny.
The latest group to come out and voice its opinion is the Chamber, which is fully in support of an extension.
“No one can be certain as to what air transport may have to offer in the future,” said the President of the Chamber, Andrew Eggleston.
“But what we do know for certain is the lack of commercial airlines who would be interested in a runway of just 877 metres in length.
“Chamber is looking to the future to establish a sound foundation from which the economy of Alderney can develop and expand. To enable this, we see it as essential that the runway.”
Pictured: The current runway is 877 metres long.
The Chamber has outlined several reasons why it supports an extension of the runway:
A longer runway would ensure a medivac service which Alderney has not had. Aurigny has displayed great support over the years as an air taxi by taking a plane out of its commercial obligations and altering its internal configuration to accept a stretcher for a flight to the required hospital. While Aurigny has a fleet of just two planes serving Alderney, this causes serious disruption to a fragile service.
To stay as we are would not attract established airlines but may attract small start-ups and the entrepreneur style business without a proven track record, both of which could prove short term if the annual balance sheet does not add up.
A longer runway would be able to accept a different and larger type of private aircraft which would undoubtedly be of economic benefit to the island.
A reverse scenario – if the runway length remains as is, there is no guarantee that Aurigny would tender at the next PSO. If no suitable and reputable alternative were found, the island and its economy could start to stagnate resulting in Alderney being a greater financial burden to Guernsey through the transferred services.
While the repatriation of our runway from 17 metres to 23 metres is under way, does it not make it commercial sense and financial efficiency for the lengthening to happen at the same time?
Mr Eggleston concluded: “A longer runway is the logical progression. None of us knows what aviation will be able to offer in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time.
“But what is certain is that Alderney must not be left behind.”
FOCUS: Debate on runway extension coming to the boil
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