Belfast City Airport boss replies to residents runway concerns
29.01.08
After a number of residents groups spoke out in the Belfast Telegraph against plans to extend the runway at Belfast City Airport last week, the newspaper has now published a reply from the airport's chief executive Brian Ambrose, who seeks to address their concerns
Mr Ambrose told the newspaper: We take on board the views of all local residents as we plan for the future of this airport. As with the majority of airports worldwide located close to cities, any proposed development must be handled in an environmentally sensitive manner and that is something we acknowledge and work towards
We meet and discuss our plans and all aspects of the airport's operations with residents' groups, politicians, planners and council officers on a regular basis through the long established Community Forum.
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a number of points with regards to developments at the airport. Firstly, should any future planning application with regards to a runway extension be granted:
(a) the runway extension would improve existing payload efficiencies (i.e. passenger numbers and fuel efficiency) and increase range;
(b) no wide-bodied aircraft would be permitted to operate from the airport. This commitment has been stated repeatedly and is outlined within our business plan; and
(c) The airport is not seeking to extend its operating hours, and so there will continue to be no late night flights and we will continue to attempt to land 80% of our arrivals over Belfast Lough.
Also, it is worth noting that earlier this month, and in direct response to the 'Examination in Public', we began the installation of a noise monitoring and tracking system at a considerable cost to the airport.
This year Belfast City Airport celebrates 25 years serving the local community of east Belfast and the city as a whole. Over the last quarter century we have also been helping to drive forward the economy of Northern Ireland. As well as directly employing over 1000 people, countless other businesses rely on the visitors we bring to Belfast.
Growth has been modest in recent years, and even with a runway extension, would not exceed the growth forecast in our 10-year masterplan. The airport's operations and aspirations are always open and we will happily discuss or clarify any issues through our open door policy.
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