New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association reiterates concerns about Wellington runway extension

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association is reiterating its concerns about the proposed Wellington Airport runway extension.

Pilots voiced concerns about the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) stating it should meet internationally recommended standards of 240 metres not the 90 metres that has been signed off by the Civil Aviation Director.

Association Technical Director Captain Rob Torenvlied says the association welcomes the NZEIR report to the Board of Airline Representatives (BARNZ) of the economic analysis of the Wellington runway extension.

“That report goes on to say that the study assumed that safety requirements would continue to be met and that pilots and airlines would be prepared to use the runway for long-haul operations. However, if the NZCAA continues the current dispensation, non-Australasian pilots and or airlines may refuse to risk flying into what is already a challenging airport to land at.”

The Board of Airline Representatives believes the methodology used to work out the supposed economic benefits was flawed.

BARNZ says it was difficult to see why an extended Wellington Airport runway would be an attractive destination to long-haul carriers, given the infrastructure that already existed elsewhere in New Zealand.

The Prime Minister has also said he doesn’t believe Wellington is ready to be an international airport hub and is worried that without the commitment of international carriers to base themselves in the Capital, ratepayers would be left with a white elephant.

“We are not against progress to increase tourism or economic viability but it must not come at the cost of safety to passengers, pilots and crew flying in and out of Wellington.” Captain Torenvlied said.

“Building this runway extension without proper run-off areas is akin to building the Transmission Gully motorway with cardboard crash barriers because the proper ones are too expensive. It just isn’t conceivable” Captain Torenvlied said.

The NZ Air Line Pilots’ Association continues to monitor developments and is preparing to lobby local and central Government on the issue.

Ends

© Scoop Media