FIRST JET AIRCRAFT TO LAND AT ST HELENA AIRPORT

ASSI AUDIT & COMAIR IMPLEMENTATION FLIGHT

 ASSI VISIT

A team of five personnel from Air Safety Support International will arrive at St Helena on Sunday 10 April 2016.

A Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet (pictured) has been chartered to convey the team to the Island.  Weather permitting, the flight will depart Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday morning and arrive on-Island at around 11.00hrs local time.  This will be the first jet aircraft ever to land at St Helena Airport (HLE).

On board the flight will be 3 pilots and 8 passengers connected to the Airport project – most importantly the ASSI team.  The team will be led by Senior Aerodrome Inspector, Justin Rothwell, who first visited St Helena last year.

From Monday 11 April, the ASSI team will undertake the on-site audit of St Helena Airport as part of the certification process.  The Bombardier jet will conduct several flights during the visit for Air Traffic Control and other purposes.

It is expected that the flight will depart St Helena on Friday 15 April 2016, at around 08.30hrs.

The ASSI team will return to the UK prior to issuing their formal response regarding certification of St Helena Airport.

Note to Media

ASSI has indicated that due to its very busy schedule, it will not be offering any media engagement during this visit. 

IMPLEMENTATION FLIGHT

Following the completion of ASSI’s planned activities next week, it is anticipated that Comair will then operate an Implementation Flight to the Island in a Boeing 737-800 aircraft in preparation for the commencement of scheduled air services.

The objectives of the Implementation Flight include route assessment, airside operations, passenger and cargo handling, training and various aspects of safety at St Helena Airport.

The precise time and date arrival will be made available to the public once this has been confirmed.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THE ASSI VISIT & IMPLEMENTATION FLIGHT

The public is advised that there will be no access to the Airport site at Prosperous Bay Plain until nearer the commencement of commercial operations.  This is to allow completion of the final stages of Airport certification and operational readiness. 

Basil Read, working closely with the St Helena Police Service, has identified various public vantage points where people will be able to get a good view of the aircraft landing. Other vantage points, such as Woody Ridge, will be also be available – but there will be no traffic management at those places. The public is therefore asked to take extra care when driving to and parking at other vantage points on the Island.

 The one-way system used on previous flight days (to alleviate congestion in Longwood) cannot be used this time due to road building work beyond Reggie’s takeaway.  An alternative system will be put in place to help manage traffic in the area, using the two parallel roads through Bottom Woods.  This will be signposted and Police Officers will be on hand to assist motorists.

The public are strongly encouraged to car share where possible, and to be mindful of their personal safety, particularly when on foot.  Please drive and park sensibly and be aware of your surroundings.

 Longwood to Bottom Woods (up to Reggie’s takeaway)

  • To approach the vantage points below, vehicles will travel via Longwood Gate and through to Bottom Woods
  • A one-way system will be in place at Bottom Woods using the road that runs parallel to the main road.  Please adhere to the signage in place and follow the directions of the officials and Police Officers on site
  • Please note that there will be no access to the Airport Access Road between Reggie’s and Deadwood on this occasion due to construction works taking place

 Reggie’s Takeaway to Bradleys 

  • Exceptionally, parking will be allowed on the left hand side of the Access Road from the area of Reggie’s Takeaway at Bottom Woods to the barricade at Bradley’s
  • Vehicles should be parked sensibly so that access can be maintained to residences, to the Met Station, the Waste Management Facility at Horse Point, and the Airport
  • It is essential that access is maintained to these sites for emergency services.  Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated 

Horse Point 

  • Horse Point on the day will only be accessible on foot – this is to protect Wirebird nests and other endemic species from accidental damage. A barrier to vehicles will be in place along the track that leads to Horse Point, just past the Waste Management Facility
  • The public should be mindful that Horse Point is an environmentally sensitive area and are urged to take care when moving around this area 

Horse Point Landfill Site 

  • Limited parking will be available at the Horse Point Landfill site. Members of the public are asked to follow the directions of the site operator
  • Please note that the Horse Point Landfill site will remain open only until 4pm and all vehicles must be removed from the site by that time.  The Landfill site will be locked promptly at 4pm and will reopen the following morning 

Millennium Forest 

  • The Millennium Forest carpark will be available for drop-off of pedestrians only.  No parking will be permitted in this area 

Bradley’s Camp/Garage Area 

  • A barricade will be in place just after the turning to Bradley’s Camp, indicating that the Airport site is not open to the general public at this time
  • A viewing area before the barricade will be available 

Further updates, particularly on the timing of flights, will be provided in due course. Interested members of the public are asked to listen out on the day for radio news updates. 

Enquiries about the practical and traffic arrangements on the day the air arrives should be directed to the Police on tel: 22626.

 

SHG

6 April 2016

 

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St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh