Prospect warns against remote towers for air traffic control in the Scottish Highlands

A proposal by Highland and Island Airports to replace skilled air traffic controllers with a centrally controlled remote tower system is being opposed by Prospect.

The new air traffic management strategy is being considered by the company’s board and if approved would need ministerial approval. Staff have also been briefed on the possibility of ending air traffic provision on the Islands.

Prospect, the union which represents Air Traffic Controllers across the UK, is calling for a public consultation taking into account the views of staff and users before the proposals are approved.

David Avery, Prospect’s negotiations officer, said:

“HIAL exists to serve Island and remote communities in Scotland. As part of this duty we believe that they should be supporting these communities by providing high quality employment locally. By moving these jobs to an as yet undecided central location the communities around Kirkwall, Benbecula, Sumburgh and Stornoway will be losing skilled jobs that are unlikely to be replaced.

“Prospect is also concerned that the telecommunications infrastructure required to operate a remote tower set up does not yet exist in these areas. Outages are still a reasonably common occurrence but with skilled air traffic controller in situ the airports normally remain open. This would not be possible with remote towers.

“We want HIAL to use new air traffic technology to enhance and improve the current tower set up investing in the islands and their staff.”

HIAL employs around 55 air traffic controllers plus additional support staff across Scotland.