Plans to move ground handling staff at Jersey Airport into prefabricated buildings constructed south of the terminal have been submitted by Ports of Jersey in a bid to enable a redevelopment of the departures hall.
Ports wants to start wider terminal improvement work later this year, but Swissport – which manages ground handling at the Airport – first needs to move out of the area it currently occupies in the departures hall.
An application to create temporary prefabricated buildings has been put forward to enable the relocation, with work scheduled to start on the area that is being vacated in June.
Staff welfare and operational facilities would be relocated to the new site for a period of five years, according to the application.
Ports has said the redevelopment of the departures hall represents the next stage in its multi-million-pound “masterplan” for the Airport.
Airport Operations Director Ashley Maggs explained: “We have submitted a planning application asking for permission to construct some prefabricated buildings which will accommodate our ground-handling colleagues and enable our departure hall redevelopment work to get underway.
“The refurbished terminal will create a welcoming environment for passengers that reflects Jersey’s distinct character.”
Mr Maggs said the changes would see the creation of “a vibrant, comfortable seating area” as well as an improved range of shopping, food and drinks.
“Our aim it to create a more enjoyable environment where passengers can relax and wait for their flights,” he added.
“I would like to thank Swissport for their flexibility in accommodating this move, which will ultimately mean better facilities for both colleagues and passengers.”