Alderney’s P&F backs extending runway

It said that the so-called Option C+, the concept of an extended runway and improvements to the airport’s infrastructure, could be the catalyst to inject necessary business and tourism into the island’s economy, and would save money in the long term, said Ian Carter, chairman of P&F.

‘Option C+ will save money in the long-term and Alderney, as part of the Bailiwick, will benefit from increased numbers of visitors and people wanting to live here, thus boosting the economy and contributing more in tax,’ he said.

‘I can’t emphasise enough the importance of a dedicated medevac service run separately to Aurigny that would bring us in line with modern health services to remote communities.’

P&F is in regular discussions on the airport project with Aurigny, the States’ Trading Supervisory Board, Guernsey Ports and the wider States of Guernsey.

Although there are concerns about the cost of the project, expected to fall almost entirely to Guernsey, Alderney believes it would be transformational for its future.

And STSB president Deputy Peter Roffey has also said he supports the ambition of the project.

P&F said that benefits would include establishing a regular Alderney-Southampton service, improving business and healthcare links, an additional 20,000 seats per year by larger aircraft, and enabling savings for Aurigny through the use of just one type of fleet aircraft, which would make the services more financially sustainable.

A longer runway would also enable a dedicated medevac for Alderney, following the recent increase in Aurigny’s Dorniers being used for this purpose.

The costs of extending the runway would offset the long-term costs as subsidies would be reduced, along with environmental benefits, P&F said.

The concept of the extension was presented at a public drop-in event earlier this year, and received extensive backing from the community and business leaders.

Alderney Chamber of Commerce has also expressed its support for the proposed runway extension project.