Runway report will lengthen the time before a decision

TO LENGTHEN or not to lengthen the runway? That is the multi-million pound question.

Or at least it's one of many surrounding the airport at the moment.

And with resignations hanging in the air, some members at least will find it a relief to get back to debating spending priorities.

Given Public Services' stance that there is no evidence to support lengthening, it is a sign of a government working together that the Policy Council has agreed to Commerce and Employment's request that a report is prepared on the implications for the island's future if it did not happen.

In turn, Commerce and Employment supports Public Services that the repair and upgrade work needs to be done and any lengthening could take place later.

That Public Services called that now infamous press conference on the runway work and invited Commerce and Employment representatives along to argue the alternative case is another sign of co-operation.

The runway was last completely reconstructed in 1974 and is 1,463m long.

But while current operators see no merit in lengthening it to 1,700m – and it is not surprising given one of the by-products of that could be more competition, says Commerce and Employment minister Carla McNulty Bauer – others do.

Commerce and Employment has been active in pursuing new operators and routes, but with little success.

'The extent of the interest was quite disappointing really,' said Deputy McNulty Bauer.

'When we went out, one of the criteria was a 1,400m runway. The Public Services report says there hasn't been much interest, but because we gave that criteria it limited the opportunity.'

That search is ongoing.

But Deputy McNulty Bauer said the runway extension issue needed to be looked at strategically with the long-term benefits in mind.

'We have a concern and it's not just about possibly extending the number of airlines in the future or increasing passenger numbers,' she added.

'We are concerned about limitations in future with the types of aircraft that can use the runway. We've seen in the past year globally quite a few of the air carriers have gone out of business. What is the airline business going to look like in years to come?

'By accepting a limitation, the number of carriers that can access the island now prejudices our lifeline services in the future.'

It was not part of Commerce and Employment's mandate to review the runway length.

'It's important that it's looked at with an overall view. We have our opinion, Public Services its and obviously there's a financial implication and we have to consult and listen to the industry and islanders as to what their requirements are in the future,' said Deputy McNulty Bauer.

'The point of doing a strategic assessment is not just to look at the here and now, but at the long-term future and how relevant it is and will be to have that strategic gateway.'

Extending the runway would give the opportunity for more carriers to come in. Jersey's situation backs this up, according to Deputy McNulty Bauer.

'We're limiting our opportunities by capping at a 1,400m runway.'

It is suggested that an extended runway which maintained its current coding standards could accommodate smaller Boeing 737 variants and Airbus A320/A319 without significant restrictions.

It is about opportunity.

But at what cost?

Public Services put the extra needed for extending the runway at £34.2m. if it maintained its code three standard and £49.2m. if it was upgraded to code four.

Given that in the coming months the need for a new secondary school and mental health facilities will be top of the agenda, it is not surprising no one is making an outright case now for extension.

The report will buy some time and who knows what the economic climate will be in the future?

But it would not be surprising if this is one that is largely on the back-burner until next term.