Westray Airport aims to enhance facilities for the record-breaking flight service.
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A new airport terminal building is in the works for Westray Airport, which is renowned for hosting the shortest commercial flight in the world. This flight, measuring just 1.7 miles, connects the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray, taking only about one minute and 30 seconds to complete.
The record for this journey stands at an impressive 53 seconds.
Enhancements to airport facilities
The plans submitted to the local council’s planning department include a modern terminal that aims to improve the overall experience for passengers and enhance operational efficiency.
Currently, the service is operated by Loganair, utilizing an eight-seater aircraft that runs several times a week as part of the inter-isles services.
The proposed terminal will feature an increase in parking spaces to accommodate up to ten vehicles, including two electric vehicle charging points and a designated space for disabled access. Additionally, the new building will house essential facilities such as a garage for fire service vehicles, two toilets, and a shower for emergency personnel.
Design and sustainability features
The design document from the council emphasizes that the new terminal will be “simple, practical, and sustainable.” It is set to be “super insulated” to enhance energy efficiency, aligning with modern standards for environmentally friendly construction. The terminal will also include a kitchen, a waiting area for departures, and a dedicated “watch room” to monitor runway activities.
Interestingly, part of the existing terminal will be repurposed as a shelter for e-bikes, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable transportation options. The current terminal, which has served the airport for over 30 years, is reportedly in need of significant maintenance and is no longer deemed fit for purpose.
Addressing safety concerns
Safety has been a primary concern regarding the design of the new terminal. Emergency services have raised issues about the proposed layout, particularly the shared space between the watch room and the departures area. In emergency situations, this could potentially place the public in close proximity to those managing critical incidents.
The design aims to mitigate these concerns by ensuring that both ends of the runway are clearly visible from the watch room, allowing fire crews to respond to emergencies within the mandated two minutes set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This response time is still notably longer than the duration of the flight itself.
Future of Orkney’s airport terminals
As many small airport terminals across Orkney’s islands are in dire need of updates, this initiative at Westray Airport reflects a broader trend of modernization. Several islands have already seen the construction of new terminal buildings, including the one at Papa Westray, which serves as the other end of the world’s shortest flight.
With the new plans awaiting approval from the council’s development management team, the future of Westray Airport looks promising. If successful, this project will not only enhance the travel experience for passengers but also ensure that the airport meets contemporary safety and operational standards.
