Latest news with #MattThomas
Metro
21-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
British airport announces ‘major redesign' including new restaurants and runway
A popular island just 40 minutes from the UK is getting a major upgrade to its airport starting this summer. Located off the northwest coast of France in the Bay of St Malo, Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, has just one airport and terminal. Though Jersey technically sits outside of the UK and Great Britain, its airport is classed as British due to it being within a British territory. Its current departure lounge, which opened in 1997, sees over 500,000 tourists pass through every year. However, the airport will soon undergo a fresh new facelift, featuring more food and retail options, dedicated quiet zones, views over the runway, and more. The 'major redesign' promises to bring a more welcoming experience to passengers, and include nods to the island's 'unique character, natural beauty and vibrant culture'. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Work will begin in late August and is expected to last around 14 months. Ports of Jersey admitted there would be some disruption as the work takes place. The design will celebrate Jersey's 'outdoor lifestyle, cultural roots and modern multicultural identity', which will be reflected in the colours and layout of the space. Jersey Airport says its focus is on creating a 'welcoming' and 'practical' space that feels good to be in. 'Phase 1' will begin next month, which will include the removal of its 'disruption desk', which is where passengers can go for advice about delayed or cancelled flights. They'll also be clearing out back-office areas to create temporary walkways for when the main construction starts. 'The investment is a big step in the evolution of Jersey Airport,' Matt Thomas, CEO of Ports of Jersey, said. 'As with any project of this scale, there will be some disruption as we build a much more welcoming, efficient, and unmistakably Jersey space for travellers. 'We really appreciate everyone's patience and look forward to delivering something the whole island can feel proud of.' It comes after the opening of the brand-new No1 Lounge at Jersey Airport on Friday. The first-class lounge is tucked away in the atrium of the terminal and has space for 150 guests. Metro's senior showbiz reporter and resident TV expert Pierra Willix visited Jersey back in March. She said the drop in visitor numbers is a 'pity, as there is so much to explore in this destination that's close to home'. She says one highlight is the culinary scene, where menus are 'overflowing' with seafood options. 'The passion for local produce is evident everywhere, and everyone tells me not to leave without trying the island's famous royal potatoes, butter and ice cream,' she said. 'Culinary highlights include Brassiere Colmar, Sangria Tapas and Restaurant and The Moorings, which has an oyster happy hour that regularly attracted Bergerac stars during days off filming.' Travellers can enjoy 90 minutes of luxury for £28. You can expect buffet-style food, stocked with local flavours, a bar with free drinks, meeting pods, a library, and runway and sea views. The lounge is open from 5:30 am every day and is accessible to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class. Despite redevelopment plans, Jersey is currently experiencing a significant drop in visitors. Recent statistics from Visit Jersey show a 24% decrease in visitors in May, with 53,000 people travelling to the island, 17,000 fewer than the same period in 2024. This is mainly due to a drop in overnight stays; however, there were also 2,400 fewer day trips. The island still remains a popular destination for British travellers, accounting for nearly 70% of all visits. There are over 20 airports that fly to Jersey, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Dublin, with most flights taking around an hour or less. More Trending You can also travel by car, bike or foot on ferries from Poole or Portsmouth – with overnight cabin crossing and faster daytime boats available. It's part of the Common Travel Area, along with the other Channel Islands, so there are no queued immigration controls when arriving in Jersey's airport and ports. UK citizens also don't need a visa to enter Jersey, but most airlines and ferry operators require some form of Government ID. Anyone from outside the Common Travel Area will need to show their passport or identity card with visas, however. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Commuters urged to avoid London Waterloo after 14 platforms are blocked MORE: Engine of Boeing passenger plane bursts into flames during takeoff MORE: British Airways business class review: I 'turned left' for the first time — here's what nobody tells you
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Jersey Airport departure lounge overhaul to begin
A major redesign of Jersey Airport's departure lounge is set to begin next of Jersey said the project would include the addition of more food and retail shops, dedicated quiet zones, a family space and views over the plans come ahead of the opening of a new exclusive lounge area on Friday which people can pay £28 to use for 90 first phase of the departure lounge refurbishment is set to start in August, with the main construction work expected to take 14 months to complete, Ports of Jersey added. Other changes being made within the project include the removal of the airport's disruption desk, which was where passengers could get advice about delayed or cancelled back office areas are also set to be cleared out to create temporary walkways for when the main construction phase of Jersey said an area called the Sunflower Room would also be created for passengers who need a break from the noise and lights of the building. Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas said the project was a "big step" for the added: "As with any project of this scale there will be some disruption as we build a much more welcoming, efficient, and unmistakably Jersey space for travellers."We really appreciate everyone's patience and look forward to delivering something the whole island can feel proud of."The exclusive lounge is being placed on the upstairs atrium and will be run by Number One, a company who run similar facilities at other who use the lounge will be offered complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi and a TV sports area.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Jersey treasury minister defends ports boss's £120,000 bonus
The treasury minister has defended a £120,000 bonus paid to the boss of Ports of Elaine Millar faced questions in the States about the restructure of the Ports and the amount of money paid to Matt was asked by Deputy Jonathan Renouf in a written question whether she thought the amount was appropriate after the airport management was put under special measures at the end of 2024 for several months. Millar said she approved the bonus because of successful work at the airport, adding that it had also not needed taxpayer support since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Office of the Director of Civil Authority ordered the special measures, putting eight roles at risk - five of which were senior positions within the operational leadership team. The measures were lifted at the end of of Jersey also admitted in June that it had been emailed hours before action was taken about a possible security threat that led to 300 passengers being evacuated from the airport in March. Millar said: "While I approved the CEO's base salary and structure of the 2024 bonus scheme, it is the Ports' Remuneration Committee that is responsible, and best positioned, to assess an executive's performance against the approved KPIs [key performance indicators] and objectives, and for deciding on the awarding of bonuses."Ms Millar added that Ports' financial performance had meant it did not need to request taxpayer support during or since the Covid-19 pandemic."This achievement is not to be understated, as, to the best of my knowledge, they are the only major airport and port throughout Europe not to require any taxpayer support over the last five years," she said.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Aurora crash: Man killed, 2 injured in three-vehicle collision, police say
The Brief A 19-year-old man died after a three-vehicle crash around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday on Butterfield Road in Aurora. The crash involved a red Saturn SUV, a semi-truck, and a third vehicle; two other drivers were hospitalized with injuries. Police are investigating the cause of the crash; the Kane County coroner has not yet released the victim's identity. AURORA, Ill. - A man died and two others were injured in a three-vehicle crash early Wednesday in west suburban Aurora, according to police. What we know The crash occurred about 6:30 a.m. on Butterfield Road near Eola Road. Aurora police said a red Saturn SUV, driven by a 19-year-old man, collided with a semi-truck just east of Hedge Row Drive. A third vehicle was also involved. All three vehicles sustained significant damage. The drivers of the semi-truck and the third vehicle were taken to area hospitals with injuries. Their conditions were not immediately known. The 19-year-old driver of the Saturn had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken to Rush Copley Medical Center, where he died at 7:32 a.m., police said. What they're saying "Our hearts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in this tragic crash," said Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas. "We continue to investigate the factors that led to this collision and urge all drivers to remain vigilant and cautious, especially in rainy or wet weather and when traveling near large trucks. Even a moment's lapse in attention or an unexpected change in road conditions can have devastating consequences." What's next The Kane County Coroner's Office has not released the man's identity. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with more information is urged to contact Aurora PD's Traffic Division at 630-256-5330, or email tips@
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Container Terminals Launches Renewable Fuels at GCT Vanterm in Partnership with Tsleil-Waututh Nation's SPAL Corporation and the Burnaby Refinery
GCT celebrates the power of collaboration and climate action with the successful implementation of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm in Burrard Inlet. Global Commitment Fuel Truck at GCT Vanterm Global Commitment Fuel Truck with Team at GCT Vanterm Vancouver, BC, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This World Environment Day, Global Container Terminals (GCT) proudly celebrates the power of collaboration and climate action with the successful implementation of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm in Burrard Inlet. As of August 2024, renewable fuels have fully replaced conventional diesel in all terminal equipment, a major milestone in GCT's commitment to sustainability and responsible partnerships. This initiative not only supports GCT's environmental goals but also advances its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92, by fostering meaningful economic partnerships with Indigenous communities. Collaboration at the Core The implementation of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm was made possible through partnership with the Burnaby Refinery and the SPAL General Constructors Corporation, owned by səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Renewable diesel delivers an industry-expected emissions reduction of 60–80%. In its first full quarter of use, GCT Vanterm achieved a 68% reduction in emissions, demonstrating the immediate and measurable environmental impact of this transition. Supporting GCT's Path to Net Zero This initiative is a key part of GCT's broader strategy to achieve a 45% absolute reduction in emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. Renewable fuels are drop-in ready, allowing for rapid implementation without the need to replace equipment prematurely. This supports a practical and sustainable transition to hybrid and zero-emissions equipment, while reducing both operational emissions and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing waste. Partner Perspectives 'We are pleased to have been engaged by GCT and the Burnaby Refinery to deploy this product through collaboration—creating a true win-win-win scenario,' said Matt Thomas, Director of Economic Development, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). 'The adoption of renewable fuels not only addresses climate concerns in the short to mid-term but also demonstrates respect for our lands and shared future. This partnership fosters economic growth within our community and sets a strong example for future collaborations.' 'This collaboration reflects how we want to do business and the kind of neighbour we strive to be in the communities where we live and operate,' said Eric Waltz, CEO, Global Container Terminals. 'We're proud to reduce emissions while engaging Indigenous communities in meaningful economic partnerships. The successful deployment of renewable fuel at GCT Vanterm is a major step in our journey toward Net Zero.' 'The Burnaby Refinery is a leader in co-processing and the production and supply of renewable fuels,' said Martin Carter, Senior Vice President, Refining and Terminals, Parkland. 'Our team is thrilled to help advance the sustainability goals of GCT Vanterm while collaborating with səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).' Looking Ahead Deployment of renewable fuels is expanding across all GCT terminals in 2025, as the company continues to align its operations and procurement strategies with both sustainability and economic reconciliation. To learn more about GCT's sustainability journey and Indigenous partnerships, visit Attachments Global Commitment Fuel Truck at GCT Vanterm Global Commitment Fuel Truck with Team at GCT Vanterm CONTACT: Jennifer Perih GCT Global Container Terminals Inc. +1 604 267 5102 media@ in to access your portfolio
