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Plans to convert a former cargo centre at Jersey Airport into a 60,000 sq-ft hangar, as well as a new business aviation terminal have been unveiled – with hopes that the transformation could bring more jobs and inward investment.
The proposals, which will need to receive Planning approval to go ahead, were developed by Gama Aviation, who won a tender process to regenerate the former cargo centre.
Matt Thomas, the Chief Executive of Ports of Jersey, said the organisation had been looking at ways to expand the breadth of facilities at Jersey Airport "for some years".
The scheme, which could take up to two years to complete, would also seek to introduce a maintenance site for the island's various aviation operators and new facilities to transfer patients to the island's air ambulance.
Mr Thomas said: "The construction by Gama Aviation of this new hangar will both benefit the island's aviation industry and provide new job opportunities for local people.
"The design of the building aligns with our ethos of sustainable travel, adhering to BREEAM [an internationally recognised sustainable building method] requirements, and it will provide valuable facilities for the Airport and all aircraft operators, now and in the future."
He continued: "We are keen to develop opportunities to increase the island's visibility, attract inward investment and support local job growth in the aviation sector, while also boosting commercial aviation support services. The project will support the government’s post-covid-19 economic recovery plans and will also enhance our important patient-transfer services.
"We look forward to working with Gama Aviation."
Pictured: What the hangar could look like.
Subject to planning permission Ports of Jersey and Gama Aviation will enter into a 25-year lease agreement.
The founder and chief executive of Gama Aviation, Marwan Khalek, said the company was "delighted" to have been selected and to partner with Ports for the project.
He continued: "Since 2016 we have looked to invest in a hangar facility, supporting the Government of Jersey’s economic development objectives and preparing the way for the future of aviation whether that is in its current form or eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), hybrid propulsion or hydrogen.
"Whatever the future of aviation may hold, this highly regulated industry will always require modern facilities capable of supporting the evolution of aircraft, and, with the permission of the island's various communities, this is exactly what we hope to achieve with this planned development."
More information about the plans can be found online here. They can also be viewed at Gama's existing facilities at Beauport House on the following days and times:
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