JERSEY Airport is no longer subject to the “Special Attention” designation imposed by the director of civil aviation six months ago, it has been confirmed.
Ports of Jersey announced yesterday afternoon that the aviation regulator had reversed the move made in December following upheaval among the airport’s operational leadership team.
Airport operations director Ashley Maggs said that additional oversight was a common step to take in response to significant change, and had involved a period of regular audits, reporting, and positive engagement.
“Jersey Airport complies with all aviation regulations and safe, secure operations will always be our most important priority,” he said.
“But no company can stand still, and last year we restructured our operational management team at the airport to keep pace with the changing requirements of 21st century travellers.
“We have exciting plans to create an airport that every Islander can be proud of – built to last, and ready for the future.”
Yesterday’s move follows questions over the issue from politicians in recent weeks, include a grilling for External Relations Minister Ian Gorst at the most recent sitting of the States Assembly.
Deputy Gorst, whose role includes responsibility for civil aviation matters, said that the special attention move represented the lowest level of the “escalation procedure ” used by the regulating office’s in both Jersey and the UK and that Ports of Jersey had been working to address the areas highlighted.
The minister was accused of seeking to take a “nothing to see here” approach by Deputy Jonathan Renouf, who said he had been told about the airport failing two security checks and having a series of challenges around staffing.
Ports of Jersey said a series of improvements had recently been implemented, including a cut in waiting times at security and to collect baggage, and enhanced special assistance for those passengers needing additional support. Later this year work will commence on a new departures lounge.
