Thursday 01 May 2014
Commerce and Employment, the States Department with responsibility for developing and maintaining air links, has launched an online air route survey aimed at understanding more about residents' use of Mainland airports.
The air route survey is also an ideal opportunity for the Department to gather intelligence regarding air movement behaviour by business travellers and the general public and to understand the reasoning behind these decisions. The survey may also provide information on which to discuss opportunities for the development of new or enhanced air route links in the future.
The long awaited Davies Commission Interim Report into airport capacity in the UK was published in December. The Commission's interim findings concluded that there is a need for one net additional runway to be in operation in the south east of England by 2030. Given that the Commission's final recommendations are expected in 2015, Commerce and Employment believes that now is a good time to engage with local business and leisure air travellers on this important topic.
Commerce and Employment Minister, Deputy Kevin Stewart, said:
"The importance of quality and frequent connectivity cannot be overstated. Connections to the South East are particularly important in respect of providing the business community with easy access to London. The recommendations of Sir Howard Davies and his team and the option that is eventually adopted is of great significance to the Bailiwick."
The fact that the survey concerns connectivity and airport usage throughout the British Isles was emphasised by Deputy Stewart:
"We know that air route sustainability depends on a mix of business and leisure travellers - both in and out bound', he added, 'therefore this survey asks about issues such as which airports people use throughout the UK to interline to destinations in Europe and beyond for their holidays as well as the importance of certain destinations for business purposes. It's really important that we receive this information which will help to inform Guernsey's future aviation strategy and will assist ongoing discussions with UK airport operators."
The survey is open to all residents until 06 June 2014 and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gsyairsurvey.
Commerce and Employment wishes to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the survey. Participants will have the opportunity to enter into a prize draw with one lucky person receiving an iPad Mini.
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