Union call on air traffic centralisation project to be paused

A union say plans to centralise air traffic control across five Scottish airports must be paused.

This comes after a report was published detailing the impact of the remote towers project to local economies.

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited want air traffic control at locations including Inverness and Dundee to be managed by a hub in the Highland capital.

They believe the plans could increase their workforce to 96 in nine years time.

However, Prospect say HIAL must re-think their options.

Negotiations Officer David Avery said: "The report is absolutely damning in its assessment of the damage this project will cause.

"Centralisation remains the most expensive and most economically damaging option and yet HIAL are determined to continue with it.

“Local implementation of air traffic services including surveillance is how air traffic is implemented at almost every airport across the UK including at HIAL’s own Inverness airport.

"It is a viable workable and resilient alternative but HIAL refuse to consider it."

HIAL say the report, which they commissioned, "demonstrates commitment to listen and do everything they possibly can to mitigate any impacts."

Chairwoman Lorna Jack said: "We welcome the report and commend the author on a thorough and challenging examination of the issues.

"We want to work with colleagues and communities to find practical solutions.

"We appreciate that a programme of this magnitude and complexity will bring significant change for people in our communities, including our highly-valued air traffic control colleagues.

"However, standing still is not an option - we must modernise. ATMS is the only option that provides the necessary levels of resilience required to ensure long-term sustainable air traffic service provision for the communities we serve."