Report published on controversial Highland air traffic controller plan
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North airport operator Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has published a report supporting its controversial plans to centralise its air traffic control system in Inverness.
The independent impact assessment was designed to examine the economic and community impact of HIAL's Air Traffic Management Strategy (ATMS) and, where relevant, undertake Island Community Impact Assessments (ICIAs).
The report explores the potential impacts on local communities, both positive and negative, resulting from ATMS.
The strategy will introduce remote integrated air traffic control services for five of HIAL's 11 airports – Inverness, Dundee, Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh – based at a Combined Surveillance Centre (CSC) located in Inverness.
Additionally, Benbecula and Wick John O’Groats airports will change the way air traffic management is delivered by extending their current AFIS (Aerodrome Flight Information Service) operations.
The proposals have provoked concerns from Highlands and Islands communities and politicians about the loss of local jobs and the downgrading of local airport services.
The report, by Reference Economic Consultants, compares the impact of the ATMS programme with the other option considered by HIAL, a local surveillance solution based at existing airports, but concludes this would not be viable.
In addition to being the most costly alternative, as identified in a 2017s consultancy report, the new report warns it would not offer the same level of staff resilience, operational flexibility or recruitment and retention benefits that the ATMS option offers.
The report included an online survey of HIAL’s air traffic staff and consultation with relevant communities, local authorities, community councils and national politicians, as well as trade union Prospect and air operators.
HIAL chairwoman Lorna Jack said: “We welcome the report and commend the author on a thorough and challenging examination of the issues.
“The commissioning of the report demonstrates our commitment to listen and do everything we possibly can to mitigate any impacts. We want to work with colleagues and communities to find practical solutions.
“We appreciate that a programme of this magnitude and complexity will bring significant change for people in our communities, including our highly-valued air traffic control colleagues.
“However, standing still is not an option– we must modernise. ATMS is the only option that provides the necessary levels of resilience required to ensure long-term sustainable air traffic service provision for the communities we serve.”
HIAL's board has acknowleged the potential impact on local employment and economies and agreed with the further recommendations to explore where the group's operations can create more economic activity for island communities. A further independent study will be commissioned to identify where that can be done, specifically, for Lewis, Orkney, Shetland and Uist.
HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon, said: “We have always known there would be impacts by undertaking such a significant and complex change management programme.
“To date, there have been no alternative proposals that provide a solution that fully addresses all of the challenges HIAL currently faces.”
HIAL has written to all relevant local authorities to request meetings and has offered to work together with stakeholders to identify where it can contribute further to local economies.
Mr Lyon said: “We hope that everyone with a vested interest in the long-term future of air traffic services in the Highlands and Islands will work us to deliver viable solutions that will maintain lifeline services and essential connectivity for generations to come.”
For more information on the impact assessment report, click here.
