HIAL has set its sights on re-establishing Sumburgh Airport in Shetland as a major hub for the offshore oil and gas industry.

The airport operator will be promoting a comprehensive range of aviation solutions to the oil and gas industry at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen this week - including fixed airport cost per passenger with volume based rebates.

A decline in offshore activity over the past year and the relocation of traffic to Scatsta Airport in recent years has hit oil traffic revenues at the airport but a programme of relationship building with the industry has been carried out over the last 18 months.

Oil-related traffic at Sumburgh is currently down by 38% for the operating year 2003-2004 compared to the previous 12 months. Oil traffic revenue for 2002-03 exceeded £500,000 at Sumburgh but was 30% less than in 2001-2002.

Alex Johnson, commercial and marketing manager at HIAL said: "Over the years we have lost passengers to Scatsta. Operators preferred Scatsta because of its relative proximity to operating fields and the opportunity to join the Scatsta consortium with associated savings. In addition, the inflexible charging system we were operating at the time for offshore traffic was a disincentive for the operators to use Sumburgh and we have now put in place a range of cost-effective charges and volume rebates that we believe will be attractive to the industry. This is a key tactical target for the airport and also reflects our increasing focus on market and commercially-driven activity.

"The relatively low level of offshore activity over the past 12 months has also been a factor in lower volumes of oil traffic but our message to the industry is that we are here to do business with them as demand for passenger transfers increases again.

"We have also been liaising closely with helicopter operators and oil companies regarding future requirements and see Offshore Europe as an opportunity to really build bridges and move forward."

The airport is well placed to meet existing and new demand from the offshore industry as exploration is expected to expand in West of Shetland and Faroese waters.

The marketing drive is linked to Highlands and Islands Airports’ commitment to promote economic development within Shetland.

With a history of delivering a full range of customised services and facilities to the offshore industry Sumburgh Airport is a hub for oil and gas personnel travelling from Aberdeen to connect with offshore helicopters.

Airport manager Nigel Flaws explained: "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. 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, precision navigation aids and a heli-strip for rotary wing aircraft. Air traffic control services are provided along with an approach radar service which minimises flight separation times. Extensive hangar facilities are also available.

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

Airport services are also available, including baggage and 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 located within the terminal building which includes cafeteria and refreshment facilities, shop and waiting lounge with television.

Sumburgh Airport is exhibiting within the Shetland stand at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen.

ENDS