CGB - I wonder what the wind was like when you were there? The only data I can find that's relevant is in the Info Memorandum calling for proposals for the air service.
It's here:
http://www.flytosthelena.com/wp-cont...Memorandum.pdf
There's a wind rose which shows that the max wind is 12m/sec (I reckon that's 23 knots) with a direction of SE. There are also records of easterly (about same speed) and southerly winds of much lower intensity. So perhaps the worst case is a tailwind of about 12 knots if you use runway 02.
Now is there an aircraft that can reasonably use the 1850m runway with that sort of tailwind? That is, one that can carry a commercially viable load of passengers.
If a commercial case cannot be made, I guess that the Goverment subsidy will have to remain, perhaps at the same level as with the RMS St Helena. However, at least the islanders will have quicker access (especially for medical emergencies) and more flexibility for tourists.
Perhaps they will have to move the localizer again - to cover runway 02 instead of 20!