Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) has been accused of wasting over £18,000 of public money on a study into proposals to centralise its air traffic control system.
HIAL spent the cash on a consultant’s scoping study setting out why Inverness should be the preferred location for proposed remote towers control centre.
Green MSP John Finnie said: “It beggars belief that such a sum was spent stating the obvious.”
He added: “HIAL’s proposal to slash jobs throughout remote, rural and island communities
by centralising its air traffic control operation is short-
“Instead of spending thousands of pounds telling us what we already know, it would serve HIAL better if it listened to the expert air traffic controllers, and their trade union Prospect, and ensured that these important, skilled jobs remain in communities throughout the Highlands and islands.”
HIAL said it was essential “important key decisions are based upon transparent and objective information” before spending £28 million of public money on the project over ten years.
A spokesman said: “The rationale for the consultation is made clear within the scoping study, as is the feedback from all those already consulted.
“Mr Finnie has been included in all correspondence and updates and is in receipt of the report. We would, of course, be very happy to discuss further with Mr Finnie at a time of his convenience.”
Airport operator accused of wasting public money
11 August 2018