The completion of capital investment projects totalling £4.43 million was marked today atKirkwall Airport, the principal passenger hub for the Orkney Islands.

Local stakeholders gathered at the airport to mark the official commissioning of the airport’s new Instrument Landing System – a precision navigational aid that has already improved flight reliability during poor weather at Kirkwall.

In the past two years HIAL has invested in a new airport fire station, expanded engineering base and new fire training ground at Kirkwall. All three facilities became operational in recent months.

The ILS project was delivered in partnership by HIAL with the support of financial contributions from Orkney Islands Council, the Public Transport Fund and Orkney Enterprise.

The airport fire station is the most advanced facility of its kind in the Highlands and Islands and will enable a double shift of firefighters to work at the airport. It includes appliance bays, staff accommodation and training facilities, equipment storage space and also houses the airport’s fast rescue craft.

The expanded engineering base will allow HIAL to carry out on site maintenance of increasingly sophisticated plant and machinery at the airport.

Speaking at the airport, Councillor Stephen Hagan, Convener of Orkney Islands Council, said: “The Council is delighted that the Instrument Landing System at Kirkwall Airport is up and running. It helps provide us with a more consistent and reliable lifeline to the mainland. The standard of service available at Kirkwall Airport has risen considerably over the past few years and we now have a gateway to Orkney we can be proud of.”

Tommy Tullock, Kirkwall Airport Station Manager said: “The ILS has already enabled flights to land that would previously have been diverted or cancelled. This project, delivered in partnership with the council and local enterprise company, has brought real benefits to all the passengers who travel to and from the airport. Equally, the investment in infrastructure ensures that our employees have the latest technology and facilities at their disposal for the safe and efficient operation of the airport.”

Angela Donaldson, HIAL’s Regional Manager North said: “The capital we have invested in Kirkwall in recent years ensures that the airport is ably equipped to meet the future needs of our airline customers, the communities and businesses on the islands. Since the commissioning of the new terminal building we have continued to invest in the airport’s development.

“HIAL is committed to the safe and cost-effective operation of its airports and to making the airports work for the benefit of the communities and economy of the region. We are particularly pleased to say that we have strong partnerships with our stakeholders in Orkney and look forward to delivering further benefits for the islands in the future.”

In the year ending 31 March 2004, Kirkwall Airport handled almost 114,000 passengers and 13,500 individual aircraft movements. In terms of passenger throughput, Kirkwall is the region’s third busiest airport after Inverness and Sumburgh.

ENDS