15 April 2016 | Comments
As planned, British Airways (operated by Comair) will conduct an Implementation Flight to the Island in a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on Monday 18 April 2016, arriving at St Helena Airport at approximately 11.40hrs.
Naturally, this arrival time, and the flight itself, is subject to weather conditions and other factors.
We hope to be able to confirm the precise time of arrival on local radio on Monday morning.
The aircraft, registration ZS-ZWG – the actual aeroplane which will serve the St Helena/Johannesburg route – will depart OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at approximately 08.30hrs SA time.
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.
Practical Arrangements for Vantage Points
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 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 Bradley’s
- 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 car park 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
Interested members of the public are asked to listen out on Monday morning for radio news updates.
Enquiries about the practical and traffic arrangements on the day can be directed to the Police on tel: 22626.
SHG
15 April 2016
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