Quote: from Guernsey Press 20/2/03:
EXTENDING the runway is pointless.
‘I’m not convinced that’s what Guernsey residents, visitors or tourism really want,’ said Ian Taylor, Flybe’s general and market development manager.
He said his view had not changed since the 2001 Halcrow report concluded that spending more than £20m. to extend it by 200 metres would not increase passenger numbers significantly.
Mr Taylor, the airline’s top man in the Channel Islands, said he had not yet studied closely the BAE Systems’ report, which was commissioned by the Board of Administration, but said it would not change his mind.
‘We believe that any extension to the runway, both in terms of environment and cost, is unnecessary.’
Mr Taylor was not sure what sort of aircraft would be able to land if the runway was extended by 237 metres and said it should be remembered that Guernsey had falling passenger numbers.
‘In our view what is important is maintaining frequency and destinations to and from Guernsey.
‘While it might appear very beneficial to have a runway capacity which will allow larger aircraft on an unrestricted basis, it has to be remembered that there’s no guarantee they will even operate given the size of the market.
‘We could well have a longer runway which is totally under-utilised.
‘Simple economics would dictate that frequency would reduce because if you have a declining passenger market with large aircraft and more seats, you don’t need as many flights.’
Flybe has invested heavily in Dash 8 and BAe 146 aircraft, both of which can use the runway at its present length.
It has 19 BAe 146s worth £9.4m. each and 12 Dash 8s worth between £6.25m.-£7.5m. each.
‘They are both well renowned for being environmentally friendly in terms of emissions and noise output and are able to operate restricted runway loads,’ he said.
The BAE report stated that it did not believe passenger numbers would increase significantly as a result of any extension but airlines’ investment in regional jets would require a runway of around 1,700 metres necessitated the extra length.
One is a little reminded of Mandy Rice Davis 'Well, he would say that, wouldn't he....' I guess FlyBe won't mind with BA pulling out of the island as it won't support a profitable/frequent 737 service...so we'll see how long 'low fares' last...
Any fans of the 146 care to comment on their 'value'?
