Another boost in traffic for Wick airport
THE recent sizeable growth in traffic at Wick John O’Groats Airport has continued, mainly due to a surge in oil-related helicopters.
The rise has fuelled hopes that the airport will build on its current contract with Chevron to clinch similar tie-ups with other operators in the offshore oil and gas and renewable industries.
The latest figures from airport operator HIAL show its 11 airports handled 103,616 passengers in March, an increase of 5,507, or 5.6%, on its March 2012 figure. An early Easter and ongoing growth in the energy sector helped to boost passenger numbers to a four year high.
Passenger numbers were up at Sumburgh, Wick John O’Groats, Barra, Kirkwall and Benbecula, while numbers at Inverness were static. On the downside, numbers fell at Campbeltown, Islay, Stornoway, Tiree and Dundee.
In the 12 months to March, HIAL passenger numbers grew by 3.1% to 1,297,676.
Wick John O’Groats Airport’s total rose from 2,889 in March 2012 to 3,938 last month – an increase of 36.3%.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: "This winter has seen some particularly strong growth, with passenger numbers up during every month of the winter season.
"In large part, this is a result of the upturn in oil-related traffic at Wick John O’Groats and Sumburgh, a key sector for our business and one with real growth potential.
"Kirkwall and Barra have also been performing well, with significant growth at both airports."
He added: "There are some challenges for the aviation business though, with fuel costs remaining high and the UK economic outlook still weak."
Trudy Morris, chair of Wick John O’Groats Airport Consultative Committee, said: "The airport, alongside the agencies, and Andrew Bruce at Far North Aviation are continually looking at how they can bring more contracts to Wick John O’Groats, not just in the oil and gas industry but also the renewables to service the offshore wind farms.
"The airport is well placed to service both these industries.
"Scrabster Harbour already plays host to oil and gas service vessels and is looking to develop this business further and its location saves 24 hours sailing time to the west of Shetland fields.
"Alongside this, the location of the airport means that operators have less flying time across open water, which in light of the recent accidents is a major selling point."
The 12% increase in aircraft movements at Wick is mainly attributed to the Chevron contract.
"The fact Chevron is successfully servicing its current operations from the airport at this time will, I’m sure, make other operators investigate the advantages," said Ms Morris.
"We are delighted the airport is continuing to see increased passenger numbers and the recent introduction of free wifi will enhance the overall passenger experience at the airport, along with the excellent service provided by the café.
"The airport is a fantastic asset for this area and we all need to work together, community, businesses, airlines and public agencies to ensure it develops and thrives for many years to come."