A £3.1 million precision landing aid will go live at Kirkwall Airport on Sunday 16 May and reduce the number of flights delayed or diverted due to poor visibility.

The category one Instrument Landing System has been installed by HIAL to improve air service reliability to and from Orkney. The investment is part of a programme that has seen ILS installed at Inverness and new localisers for Stornoway Airport.

The Kirkwall system had been due to become operational on 10 June but has been brought forward following work by HIAL, National Air Traffic Services and the Civil Aviation Authority. All flight operators using the airport welcomed the move.

The project has been delivered with funding support from the Public Transport Fund (£600,000), Orkney Islands Council (£500,000) and Orkney Enterprise (£100,000).

Paul Clarkson, General Manager Operations at HIAL said: "It is thanks to the concerted efforts of HIAL, National Air Traffic Services, Orkney Islands Council, Kirkwall Airport Consultative Committee, local politicians and the CAA that the start date for the system was brought forward from 10 June to Sunday 16 May.

"I am sure that all residents of the islands will welcome the introduction of the system that will improve flight reliability on the air services at Kirkwall. The ILS represents a significant investment, totalling £3.1 million over the past two years, and has been delivered in partnership with financial contributions from the Public Transport Fund via Orkney Islands Council, and Orkney Enterprise.

"Kirkwall Airport is an important economic and social asset to the islands and region and the ILS is the latest capital investment in its development made by HIAL. The airport is now extremely well placed to serve the islands in the years to come," said Mr Clarkson.

In the year ending 31 March 2004, Kirkwall handled almost 114,000 passengers and 13,500 aircraft movements.

ENDS