Wick John O'Groats Airport set for airfield cash boost

18th February 2015

The airfield at Wick John O'Groats Airport is set for a major upgrade this year, boosting safety and enabling the airport to handle future growth.

Almost £600,000 is to be spent this year refurbishing the airport apron where aircraft are parked, loaded and unloaded. Work on the project is expected to start this summer. The investment was confirmed following a HIAL board meeting, held this week at the airport.

The airport has also recently taken delivery of two new fire appliances, costing almost £700,000. The purpose built tenders are part of a £7 million roll out by HIAL of 20 new state of the art vehicles across the group.

Meanwhile, new figures show Wick John O'Groats recorded a massive increase in passenger numbers last month thanks to a contract to service a major oil field in the West of Shetland basin.

Oil workers have been flowing through the airport since before Christmas after a contract was struck with operator Premier Oil, Aker Solutions and Far North Aviation to service the Solan field.

Airport managers say the success of the contract, which contributed towards an 86% growth in passenger numbers in January, underlines the airport's ability to respond flexibly to the needs of the energy sector.

Hundreds of personnel were transferred every week from Caithness to the Safe Scandinavia flotel, temporarily stationed in the Solan field, with airport check-in, security and operations teams supporting the huge logistical effort, with special opening outside of normal operating hours to accommodate weather disruptions. Following the success of the contract, discussions to secure further energy sector business are continuing.

Airport manager William Sutherland said: "We are grateful to Premier Oil, Aker Solutions and Far North Aviation during what has been an exceptionally busy time for Wick John O’Groats airport. January’s passenger numbers underline the airport’s importance as a hub for the energy sector and, more importantly, its ability to react rapidly and efficiently as a team to meet the fast changing needs of the energy sector. Ours is a flexible operation that can accommodate demand for short and long term contracts, as required. This flexibility and the personal service provided is a key selling point for the airport."

HIAL Managing Director Inglis Lyon said: "Wick John O’Groats airport is of huge strategic importance to the HIAL group. The airport serves the business and tourism needs of Caithness and Sutherland but, as last month’s figures illustrate, it is also a particularly important gateway for the energy sector. Our investment this year underlines our commitment to grow the airport and consolidate its status as a hub for the oil, gas and renewables sector."