DAVID FULLBROOK / SINGAPORE
The International Air Transport Association and airlines are expressing concern about the future of alternate runways used for extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) in the Pacific following the operator of Midway Island airport's decision to withdraw from the Pacific island from 2 March.
Midway is an emergency alternate landing point for twin-engine aircraft. Prior to airport operator Midway Phoenix's decision, it had already emerged that in 2004 the alternate runway at Johnston Atoll, southwest of Hawaii, will no longer be available after the US military withdraws. "We've got an alarming trend here. ETOPS need the airports," says IATA assistant director infrastructure Dave Behrens.
Midway's future as an alternate runway is now in the hands of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which administers the island. It is considering the implications of Midway Phoenix's withdrawal, despite not being officially informed. "If they in fact did leave we would probably have to issue an emergency contract to keep the airport open," says FWS, which is discussing a possible solution with other affected US government agencies. Finding funds may prove difficult, however.
Hawaii's Aloha Airlines, which ran a weekly flight from Honolulu carrying scientists and tourists to the remote island, has already cancelled its service and will operate one last flight on 2 March at Midway Phoenix's request.
Source: Flight International
