EMAS system will cost about £10m. says Swedish supplier
A SUPPLIER of EMAS has claimed that it could be installed at Guernsey Airport for about £10m. – tens of millions less than the figure estimated by the Economic Development Committee.
Mikael Larsson, a director of Swedish company Runway Safe, made presentations over the past two days at which he told deputies and the public that EMAS could increase the operational length of the runway for much less than the figure of £79m. which the States was advised last year.
‘£10m. is a reasonable assumption and, with a bit of maintenance, we believe the beds we are installing today are going to last at least 20 years,’ said Mr Larsson.
‘There is some servicing that needs to be done after 8 or 10 years, probably at a cost of a few hundred thousand pounds.’
EMAS – Engineering Materials Arresting System – consists of crushable material at the end of a runway to help stop an aircraft if it overruns. Runway Safe installs approximately eight to 10 of them each year.
Supporters of EMAS, which was rejected by the States last year, believe it would be the least expensive and safest way of extending Guernsey’s runway and improving the island’s air links.
They received a boost recently when Policy & Resources president Lyndon Trott unexpectedly indicated that there could be another runway debate before next year’s general election.
‘In Guernsey, this technique and equipment could be used to extend the runway within the parameters of today’s airfield, and if you had another 100, 200 or 300 metres you could have larger aircraft, new destinations and new markets,’ said Mr Larsson.
‘My hope is that the island will come together and decide that they want to do this, and I am here to say that we are willing to help.’
He estimated that it would take his company a minimum of 12 to 18 months to install EMAS.
Mr Larsson said he funded his visit to Guernsey, after being invited by Joe Mooney, a member of Guernsey Aviation Action Group, which has backed using EMAS.
But Deputy Yvonne Burford said the presentation had failed to demonstrate the advantages of extending the runway.
‘It was pointed out by the presenter that although the actual EMAS blocks would cost around £5-£7m. per end, there would be many other costs, including concreting the foundations, installation of the blocks, realigning lighting and numerous other considerations. These points were made by Economic Development in its policy letter, when it concluded that the total cost of EMAS would be £79m.,’ she said.
‘I remain of the view that Guernsey stands to lose a lot more than it would gain by going down this route.
‘There is zero guarantee that a large airline would come, even if one did, it would inevitably mean reduced flight frequency to London airports, a loss of regional routes, reduced airport income that would have to be covered by the taxpayer, and a lack of commitment to getting people home.
‘There are many better things on which to spend £79m.’
