Ascension : Mount Pleasant Airfield Runway Resurfacing Update 16 June 2010
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 24.06.2010 (Article Archived on 15.07.2010)

As the runway at Mount Pleasant Airfield (MPA) is now 25yrs old it needs to be resurfaced.

Mount Pleasant Airfield Runway Resurfacing Update 16 June 2010

Introduction

As the runway at Mount Pleasant Airfield (MPA) is now 25yrs old it needs to be resurfaced.  The main runway and some taxiways at MPA will be resurfaced by the engineering company COLAS between September 2010 and spring 2011.  The way in that the project has been planned will still allow the full South Atlantic air-bridge capacity to be delivered (and for scheduled civilian flights from MPA), albeit on a restructured 7 day schedule, for both passengers and freight.   

Everyone in the Falkland Islands should remain reassured that throughout the project’s life the ‘quick reaction alert’ aircraft and Search and Rescue helicopters will continue to be in a position to launch 24/7 and all other military assets will continue to operate and exercise as normal.  In short, British Forces South Atlantic Islands will be able to operate its full military capability, including air defence.

Latest News

Two Boeing 767-300’s are now confirmed as the aircraft to be used for the South Atlantic air-bridge whilst the project is ongoing. 

It is provisionally planned that the two aircraft will depart UK, southbound, on Friday mornings, arriving Ascension Island on Friday afternoon and evening respectively, returning to Ascension Island northbound on Saturday mornings and late afternoon. 

Further, more specific details of the finalised schedule will be provided nearer the time; however, please consider the provisional plan when planning flight bookings over this period. Information on flight booking for civilians should be through the AIG Booking Office (Mrs Jolene Sim on 6500) and contractor/ indulgence enquiries through Miss Fiona Benjamin on 3372.  Should you have any questions on this project, please contact either Flight Lieutenant Jon King (3307) or WO Dave Drake (3347) on Ascension Island Base.

Wing Commander Rod Duguid

Commander Ascension Island Base