After six months of regular audits and reporting, the aviation regulator has lifted the ‘Special Attention’ condition applied to Jersey Airport.
Having made its move on 9 December as a result of concerns related to a restructuring of senior management, the office of the Director of Civil Aviation confirmed yesterday afternoon (Friday 20 June) that the measure was no longer in place.
Airport Operations Director Ashley Maggs said that additional oversight was a common step to take in response to significant change, and had involved a period of regular audits, reporting, and positive engagement.
“Jersey Airport complies with all aviation regulations”
“Jersey Airport complies with all aviation regulations and safe, secure operations will always be our most important priority,” he said.
“But no company can stand still, and last year we restructured our operational management team at the airport to keep pace with the changing requirements of 21st century travellers.
“We have exciting plans to create an airport that every Islander can be proud of – built to last, and ready for the future.”
Yesterday’s development follows questions over the issue from politicians in recent weeks, include a grilling for External Relations Minister Ian Gorst at the most recent sitting of the States Assembly.
Deputy Gorst, whose role includes responsibility for civil aviation matters, said that the special attention move represented the lowest level of the “escalation procedure ” used by the regulating office’s in both Jersey and the UK and that Ports of Jersey had been working to address the areas highlighted.
“Nothing to see here” accusation
The minister was accused of seeking to take a “nothing to see here” approach by Deputy Jonathan Renouf, who said he had been told about the airport failing two security checks and having a series of challenges around staffing.
Deputy Montfort Tadier, Chair of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, called for greater transparency from the government.
Deputy Gorst hinted at frustration over the way events had unfolded, saying that while he supported the principle of ensuring the Airport was operating safely, he was also conscious of the need for Jersey to have economically sustainable harbour operations.
“We’ve got to get away from big bureaucracy that hinders us from doing our everyday work and which doesn’t have Islanders at the heart of their operation,” he said.
Ports of Jersey said a series of improvements had recently been implemented, including a cut in waiting times at security and to collect baggage, and enhanced special assistance for those passengers needing additional support. Later this year work will commence on a new departures lounge.