Wick Airport looks to build on chopper traffic boost
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That is the hope of Andy Bruce who runs Far North Aviation and has been instrumental in attracting the helicopters to Wick John O’Groats airport.
He said yesterday the Chevron contract could last for a year and possibly longer.
Mr Bruce is also hopeful other oil companies could consider operating helicopters from Wick to platforms which are geographically closer to Caithness than Aberdeen, such as to the west of Shetland.
“That would be good news for Wick and for Caithness,” he said yesterday.
Mr Bruce said a concerted effort needs to be made by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, hoteliers and others to make that a reality.
He said investment has to be made to boost the trade and claimed all interested parties have to work together.
“It has got to be a co-ordinated effort if this is going to work,” added Mr Bruce.
Chevron UK – the British arm of the American corporation – arranged to use Wick as a temporary helicopter base for its Alba and Captain fields after the North Sea’s entire Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma fleet was grounded due to safety fears.
Due to the success of the contract, discussions have started to try and encourage other companies to use the airport to transport workers offshore.
The increase in passenger and aircraft movements at Wick John O’Groats Airport was welcomed by manager William Sutherland and Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
At a meeting of the airport consultative committee on Friday, Mr Sutherland told members: “We are delighted with the increase in traffic due to Chevron’s decision to temporarily locate its operations here.”
Mr Sutherland added: “We are in discussion with other commercial companies for future energy-related opportunities. Things are really looking up and I’m really proud of everyone working at the airport which has been so flexible to allow us to accommodate Chevron”.
Ms Morris, who chairs the committee, said: “This is good news, not only for the airport but for the area as a whole. At a time when we are looking to diversify the economy away from Dounreay and into other sectors, this is a crucial step forward.
“We have seen an increase in the airport’s activity, mainly due to Chevron’s operations, and it is good that we can show that these can be operated out of Wick John O’Groats Airport.”
Grenville Johnston, chairman of airport operator HIAL added: “HIAL is committed to ensuring Wick John O’Groats Airport remains a reliable route and is extremely encouraged by the rise in numbers using the airport.
“We are considering options to develop the airport and are pleased with the support of businesses and the local community.
“We are continuing with our investment at Wick John O’Groats and will be making further announcements in the coming weeks about improvements, both in terms of infrastructure and the passenger experience.”
The airport has recently recruited a trainee traffic controller and an administrator, with another training post in the pipeline. The café has also seen a boost and has recently taken on additional staff.
The growth in traffic at Wick should be confirmed when February’s passenger numbers are issued shortly.
