Can EMAS Expand Guernsey Airport's Options?

Guernsey Airport might soon welcome bigger planes. How? Thanks to a Swedish safety system called EMAS. This tech can stop planes if they go past the runway, making it safer for larger aircraft to land. Right now, Guernsey Airport, the biggest on the Channel Islands’ Bailiwick, can only handle smaller planes like the ATR72-600. The runway is about 4,800 feet long. People have been talking about making it longer for 20 years. They say it would bring more flights and cheaper tickets. But extending it could cost a lot, up to $105 million. That's why some are considering EMAS. The Swedish company Runway Safe says EMAS could be installed in just five weeks. Mikael Larsson, their director, says it would cost about $13 million. It could let bigger planes land, opening up new destinations and markets.

Politicians have said no to extending the runway. But EMAS could be an alternative. It's like a cushion at the end of the runway made of crushable material. It's safer and cheaper than extending the runway. Not everyone is on board. Deputy Yvonne Burford thinks the benefits of extending the runway aren't fully shown. She says EMAS could cost up to $103 million, including other expenses. Plus, there's no guarantee bigger airlines like British Airways or easyJet would fly there. It might even reduce flights to London and cut airport income. Aurigny, Guernsey's flag carrier, flies about 134 times a week from the airport. Connecting to big airports like London Gatwick and Paris Charles de Gaulle, the airport is a hub. Could EMAS be the answer? That's the big question.

Actions