A runway extension would mean bigger aircraft visiting Guernsey

That is the view of the island's Chamber of Commerce, which has long campaigned in support of extending the runway.

Rob Le Page, who is a member of the organisation's transport sub-committee, says the cost of any extension would be worth it, as it would benefit the whole island.

"A decision to not extend the runway would hit the business community and tourism considerably," he said.

"If the island is only served by smaller regional airports, and not the main airports, there would be much greater time lost with connections to other airports and for further travelling for businessmen and tourists around the world.

Serious affect

"That could have a serious affect on the way larger companies look at their business in Guernsey and whether it is the best place from where to operate their business."

Meanwhile, another organisation is throwing its weight behind the report that recommends extending Guernsey's airport runway.

President of the Guernsey Hotel and Tourism Association, Carl Symes, says he is pleased with the conclusions reached by British Aerospace consultants.

He says concerns about noise pollution, linked to a larger runway, are unfounded.

Environmental impact

"Bigger aircraft does not mean noisier aircraft," he said.

"In the old days that was certainly the case, but these days the bigger aircraft are very often quieter.

"Some of the biggest aircraft that operate in and out of Guernsey at the moment, the 146 jets, are some of the quietest around.

"There will clearly will be an environmental impact, but noise and disruption doesn't have to be one of the problems."

Guernsey Transport Consultative Committee chairman Hugh Bougourd says he is still analysing the report.

He says his group has previously supported the idea of lengthening the runway.