Ports of Jersey has submitted
a planning application to construct three new aircraft hangars on the
western part of the airfield to fulfil the increasing demand for hangarage
space from both local and visiting aircraft owners.
If approved, the three
hangars, which will each measure some 21,500 square feet will be made by
renowned Canadian manufacturing company Sprung. Ports of Jersey thoroughly
reviewed a variety of hangar options for the site and opted for the Sprung
produced ones as not only have they been well tested to withstand harsh
weather and climate conditions but if necessary due to their versatile
structure, are designed to be easily relocatable and if required,
reconfigurable.
Initial interest has been
expressed by five potential clients and with the planning application now
submitted Ports of Jersey is in a position to negotiate terms.
Corporate & General Aviation
Development Manager for Ports of Jersey,
Lee McConnell,
says, “This significant investment by Ports of Jersey is sending a positive
message to the global business jet market of our increasing confidence in
the corporate aviation industry, which can only improve our credibility and
visibility internationally in this forum, which in turn will attract more
inward investment, aviation activity and local aviation sector job growth."
Ports of Jersey is investing
up to £10m in what is one of its most significant landmark projects. If
approved, construction is likely to take up to two months to complete and a
local contractor will be appointed, working alongside a technical consultant
from Sprung.
Mr McConnell concludes, “We
currently have a strong foundation of private aircraft based in Jersey, some
of which are looking for new facilities. We also benefit from the Island’s
strategic and geographical location within two of Europe’s busiest aviation
traffic zones for corporate jet traffic, namely Paris and London, and may
attract additional off-island aircraft also using our facilities as a stop
off location for hangarage and fuel services.”
Outside of all the prominent
London airports, Jersey is considered to be the fifth busiest airport for
corporate jet movements in the British Isles. |