The battle over Wellington Airport’s runway extension could head to the Supreme Court.
It’s all to do with the runway safety area.
The Pilot’s Association, through a Court of Appeal decision, has managed to get the Civil Aviation Authority to re-look at its original 90 metre area.
They want a 240 metre safety area, which would mean an extra 150 metres would have to be added to the extension.
The CAA has been ordered to consider whether a longer runway safety area is feasible on the the proposed airport runway extension.
Pilots’ Association President Tim Robinson said he hopes it doesn’t go to court again, but they’ll see it through.
“If Wellington Airport decide to appeal or seek leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, we’ll be following that closely and defending our position if required.”
And Wellington Airport CEO Steve Sanderson said he hasn’t ruled out going to the Supreme Court and said they’re awaiting legal advice before they make a decision.
Opponents of the runway extension say if the safety area has to be extended the project won’t be economic.
Guardians of the Bays Chair Richard Randerson said if the airport is forced to extend the safety area that brings the whole thing close to 500 metres.
“I think at that point from what I understand it would become impractical, be highly expensive and there wouldn’t be the money to actually build it.”
Randerson said whether the safety margin was sufficient has always been a question.
“Seems to me the Court of Appeal has taken that into account and said the situation need to be reviewed. I think that’s a good decision and a prudent one.”
-NewstalkZB
