An independent study looking into the viability of operating various aircraft such as DHC6 Twin Otter at John A Osborne Airport is complete, according to the Governor’s Office.
A spokesperson told Montserrat Focus on 16 April that the report “is expected in the next few weeks”.
Once received, UK’s Air Safety Support International (ASSI) will review the assessment before it is made public.
“The final report is not expected to provide any ground-breaking information as aviation progression is not an overnight change,” the Governor’s Office said.
The office requested bids for the assessment, aimed at maximising the potential of the airport with current and new aviation developments, in January 2023.
In a press release at the time, the government said it is keen to attract more visitors to the island and facilitate better connectivity with intercontinental flights arriving in Antigua.
It said the assessment would look at DHC6 Twin Otter, BN2 Islander, Cessna 208 Caravan and Pilatus PC12 aircraft.
For each it would examine the performance characteristics of the aircraft, the load restrictions and the resultant operating costs.
Robust product
“The final report should quote the provenance of data used, including that associated with the average temperatures, pressures and wind, the assumptions made,” the release said.
It added that report should clearly set out any recommendations with outline costings.
“The Governor’s Office continues to work closely with the Office of the Premier, ASSI, plane manufacturers, airlines and engineering organisations to understand the art of the possible in order to produce a business case with options for the future.
“These reports require significant data and research to ensure a robust product is the outcome,” the Governor’s Office said in response to Montserrat Focus queries.
The spokesperson said they were unable to say who was contracted to carry out the assessment or the cost, because: “We do not share commercial information.”
Montserrat’s governor is responsible for ensuring the security and safety of operations at the airport.
This responsibility is delegated to UK Air Safety Support International (ASSI) which acts as the regulator.
