Latest news with #RichardThomasson
BBC News
16-07-2025
- BBC News
Guernsey airline Aurigny to add extra flights after fog problems
An airline has said it is looking at "options for additional flights" after fog continued to cause delays and cancellations to flights for Guernsey and Alderney.A spokesperson for Aurigny said the company had "taken the difficult decision" to cancel at least 15 services on Wednesday due to "aircraft being unable to land in Guernsey and Alderney".The disruption comes days before the start of the summer holidays, with a further 12 flights significantly delayed according to the airline's said services would run "where safe conditions allow", while staff were "working hard" to keep customers informed. Some passengers to and from Alderney had been put on boats instead, the airline Ports, which operates both Guernsey and Alderney Airports, said it "deeply regret[ed] the inconvenience caused".Guernsey Airport director Richard Thomasson said: "We know how important travel plans are at this time of year."Mr Thomasson said Ports was working with Aurigny to support stranded passengers, including those needing hotel said affected customers would receive emails from the airline or could check its website.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Guernsey: Large-scale pigeon racing set to return to island
Large-scale pigeon racing is set to resume in Guernsey after new aviation safety procedures have been practice was stopped in April after concerns were expressed about the size and scale of releases posing a hazard to Ports said that revised risk assessments and operational procedures drawn up after "positive talks" with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA) cleared the way for it to organisation's airport director Richard Thomasson said: "These steps should ensure the safe integration of larger scale pigeon racing activities with the island's air space." He said they had worked closely with the RPRA to reach a practical solution that upheld aviation safety while enabling the resumption of larger scale pigeon racing new safety measures included enhanced planning and the introduction of a new permit scheme coordinated by the RPRA, Mr Thomasson also included greater coordination and oversight of race timings to avoid conflicts with air traffic and real-time communication protocols between race organisers and air traffic control, he added.A Guernsey Ports spokesperson said requests for large-scale pigeon releases had risen from three in 2022 to 17 in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 13 in the first four months of 2025. 'Valued tradition' In April, members of pigeon racing clubs told the BBC of their concerns about the Norman, secretary for several pigeon racing clubs including The British International Championship Club, said it was "another nail in the coffin for pigeon fanciers". Welcoming the new agreement, Chris Sutton, CEO of the RPRA, said it "reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that all necessary protocols and safety measures are in place, allowing the continuation of this valued tradition under carefully controlled conditions".The agreement has been supported by the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation (ODCA) for the Channel existing protocols for smaller, local releases of pigeons remains the same, Guernsey Ports said.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New director for Guernsey's airport appointed
A new director has been appointed at Guernsey Airport. Guernsey Ports said the new role would partly replace the chief operating officer position and will be filled by Richard Thomasson. Mr Thomasson said he wanted to focus on putting the "customer experience at the heart-beat of our strategy". Ross Coppolo, managing director of the airport, said Mr Thomasson's "experience, knowledge and enthusiasm will be an asset". Mr Thomasson has held senior airport roles for the last 18 years including at Cornwall Airport Newquay and Bristol Airport. Mr Coppolo said: "This is a crucial role in which Richard will oversee day-to-day airport operations, uphold regulatory compliance and help to guide our long-term strategy, supporting our aims to grow connectivity and diversify the business." Mr Thomasson said: "It was clear through the interview process that my vast previous aviation experience would be a great fit for this role. "I cannot wait to get started working in partnership with the ports team and wider business partners." More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Guernsey Ports Port Soif car park closes for airport lights work Airport website 'more inclusive' after upgrade Airport spent £330k on overtime last year
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New director at Guernsey Airport appointed
A new director has been appointed at Guernsey Ports said the new role would partly replace the chief operating officer position and will be filled by Richard Thomasson said he wanted to focus on putting the "customer experience at the heart-beat of our strategy". Ross Coppolo, managing director of the airport, said Mr Thomasson's "experience, knowledge and enthusiasm will be an asset". 'Crucial role' Mr Thomasson has held senior airport roles for the last 18 years including at Cornwall Airport Newquay and Bristol Airport. Mr Coppolo said: "This is a crucial role in which Richard will oversee day-to-day airport operations, uphold regulatory compliance and help to guide our long-term strategy, supporting our aims to grow connectivity and diversify the business."Mr Thomasson said: "It was clear through the interview process that my vast previous aviation experience would be a great fit for this role. "I cannot wait to get started working in partnership with the ports team and wider business partners."
