January 2003

Front Page Archives

Airport Links

Letter In Response To Recent Speculation About Wick Airport 17 February 03
From Bob McLeod Manager HIAL

To The Editor

Dear Sir,
I write regarding local speculation concerning the future of Wick Airport, fuelled by a factually inaccurate report recently produced by The Highland Council. Since this report received widespread press coverage I would like to place the facts relating to Wick�s future, as one of 10 airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, on the record.

Wick Airport is deemed by the board of this company to be fit for purpose and it certainly faces no threat of closure. Both the main runway and cross runway are in operation and the Civil Aviation Authority has given no indication of intent to withdraw either runway from service. The cross runway � the airport�s secondary runway - is limited to fixed wing aircraft of 5,700 kgs or less which means that most general aviation aircraft visiting Wick can use it. HIAL has in the past offered to part fund refurbishment of the cross runway in conjunction with The Highland Council and others but this offer was not taken up. The airport is also fitted with non-precision approach landing aids which serve well and the facility operates to a suitable and approved rescue and fire fighting standard.

As a publicly-subsidised company we are committed to ensuring our budget is prioritised to secure the best possible social and economic benefits for the populations served by our airports. Millions of pounds are invested annually in infrastructure and the development of new routes as well as in meeting the stringent regulations covering airports in the UK.

Over the past three years we have invested close to �3 million in capital projects at Wick Airport, including main runway refurbishment (�1.8 million), a new fire training ground (�300,000) and environmental works (�830,000). In 2003 a further �350,000 will be invested in terminal improvements, including baggage x-ray facilities, and ongoing environmental works. This demonstrates a commitment to the airport and the area that any other single organisation would find hard to match.

While there are people who believe substantial investment should be made to expand facilities at Wick Airport, the airport remains fit for purpose to service existing and any realistic expectation of further expansion of services.

HIAL is, nevertheless, keen to work at all times with stakeholders such as Highland Council. If they are willing to invest in upgrades and if they consider these a priority investment for their available capital resources, then our door is always open.

Yours sincerely,

R M Macleod
Managing Director
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited