Alderney runway issue 'sidelined'
ALDERNEY'S need for a runway extension has been sidelined, the president of the island's Chamber of Commerce has said, as he and an Alderney politician said 'unmanageable' transport links were making local businesses unsustainable.
During Economic Development's recent appearance at a Scrutiny hearing, committee president Peter Ferbrache rejected the idea of extending Alderney's runway, claiming it would bring no extra benefits to Alderney.
This comes off the back of an independent report by York Aviation that said extending Alderney's runway would not be financially justifiable.
Andrew Eggleston, president of the Alderney Chamber of Commerce, felt the island's interests had been put on the back-burner.
'Another succinct response from a Guernsey politician – the result of which can only keep Alderney in the background,' he said. 'We consider the recent York Aviation report into this gave the answer that Guernsey had been wanting.
'The widening of our runway, however, to 23 metres will be a good positive start as that will assist with crosswind capability with the southerly winds that seem to be more prevalent in recent years.'
Alderney States member Louis Jean said transport issues 'would continue to worsen' without intervention.
'Plane fares are rising every year and it is now around £120 just to get to Guernsey, and I believe those increases will continue without bigger planes because of customer resistance and there being less seats available,' he said.
