The airport, owned and operated by HIAL, is well placed to meet existing and new demand from the offshore industry as exploration expands in West of Shetland and Faroese waters.

The marketing drive is linked to HIAL's commitment to promote economic development within Shetland and supports the planned strategic partnership involving Sumburgh Airport, Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Enterprise.

With a history of delivering a full range of customised services and facilities to the offshore industry Sumburgh Airport now wants to establish itself as a major transport hub for oil and gas personnel.

Airport Manager Nigel Flaws explains: "Since the new terminal building opened in 1979 for oil industry use, the airport has been designed and equipped to cater for the efficient transfer of oil industry personnel between fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Since 1982, the Wilsness Terminal has also been used for scheduled service passengers. Because speed is essential in handling the level of traffic passing through the airport, terminal facilities and staff are geared to the fast and smooth processing of passengers to maintain efficient scheduling.

"Sumburgh has a long-standing tradition of working with the oil industry and has the infrastructure and experience to ensure the highest standard of customer care, facilities and system management."

The principle benefits being offered to the offshore industry by Sumburgh Airport are:

• Competitive fixed airport cost per passenger with volume rebates
• Time saving
• Dedicated facilities
• Rapid passenger transfer
• Room for extension with no capacity constraints

Sumburgh’s extensive facilities include two main runways and a heli-strip for rotary wing aircraft.

The main runway is 09/27 (1,180 x 46 metres) and is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS). Runway 09 has a localiser and associated distance measuring equipment and runway 27 has both a localiser and glide path. High intensity lighting is provided for full day/night-time use. The provision of ILS reduces the decision height to 250 feet for runway 27 and 300 feet for 09.

Visual runway 15/33 (1,426 x 46 metres) is available for daytime landings and take-offs and, if approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, night-time departures. Approach aids are VOR/DME and NDB. The runway is equipped with high intensity lighting.

Air traffic control services are provided during airport opening hours. An approach radar service is included, enhancing safety whilst minimising flight separation times.

Hangarage at Sumburgh is provided in an 800sqm Wilsness hangar and 3,400sqm Virkie hangar complex.

The airport’s standard opening hours are Monday-Friday 0730-2030 and Saturday/Sunday 0900-1730. Special openings and extensions are available on request.

Dedicated facilities for oil industry operation include a helicopter arrivals hall and helicopter departures lounge. These include separate departure gates per flight, safety briefing facilities, HM Customs and survival suit issue and changing area.

Airport services are also available, including baggage freight handling for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, survival equipment handling and collection, company/client representation, aircraft de-icing, aircraft steps and ground power supply.

Extensive office accommodation is available within the terminal building which includes cafeteria and refreshment facilities, shop and waiting lounge with television.

Alex Johnson, Commercial and Marketing Manager with Highlands and Airports Limited says: "Sumburgh’s long experience of working in partnership with the oil and gas industry coupled with its comprehensive facilities and competitive pricing structure makes it an attractive transport solution for the offshore industry. Given the growth in exploration activity underway West of Shetland and in Faroese waters and the likely increasing need to move personnel to and from the area, Sumburgh Airport is in a strong position to cater for this traffic. We have already spoken to a number of major oil operators and our door is open to any interested parties."

ENDS