Tech 'may allow larger planes to land in Guernsey'

The company behind the technology said it could be installed in weeks

Installing specialist technology could allow larger aircraft to land at Guernsey Airport without fully extending the runway, according to an aviation safety company.

A debate around the benefits of extending the runway has been ongoing since the early 2000s, with arguments for the project claiming it could lead to more routes and lower fares.

Swedish company Runway Safe installs engineered materials arresting systems (EMAS), which bring aircraft overshooting runways to a controlled stop. Company director Mikael Larsson said installation would cost about £10m, improve safety, and allow larger and heavier planes to land.

The States said members repeatedly ruled out plans for a runway extension.

'Very short runway'

"Guernesy has a very short runway with limited capacity for larger jets or airliners," said Mr Larsson.

"By installing EMAS here, it would be a possibility to extend the runway within todays perimeters of the airport".

He added: "The idea is to implement EMAS and extend the runway by 100m to 200m [330ft to 660ft] or so, to have larger airliners coming into Guernsey."

Plans to extend the runway at a cost of about £80m were dismissed by politicians in 2023.

Mr Larsson said the project could be installed within five weeks once any groundwork was completed.

'Can't afford not to do'

The plans were outlined to deputies and members of the public by Runway Safe at an event organised by local aviation campaign organisation, the Guernsey Aviation Group.

Former Deputy Joe Mooney, from the group, said installing the technology could have multiple benefits.

"For the opportunities, it's something we can't afford not to do," he said.

"It gives as an opportunity to possibly have British Airways turn up, possibly EasyJet.

"I can guarantee you, if we don't do it, they won't come."

Deputy Chris Blin, who attended the talk by Runway Safe, said the government had to be aware of the costs involved with such projects.

"This, at not a great cost, would give us the opportunity to have larger, fully-laden planes."

The States' Trading Supervisory Board said: “A potential runway extension at Guernsey Airport has been debated by the States on a number of occasions, and by the current assembly only last year.

"Each time, having considered all the available evidence, States members have not supported an extension."