Jersey Airport has already been redeveloped

The Board of Administration commissioned BAe Systems to come up with a feasible plan that would allow a wider range of aircraft to land at Guernsey Airport.

The plans, revealed to States members at a meeting held on Thursday night, include a much-talked about extension to the existing runway.

The proposal has been met with opposing views.

Runway arguments

The current runway has been in service since 1960.

The President of the Board of Administration, Deputy Roger Berry, said the meeting centred around two main arguments.

He said: "Those who were in favour of the runway were concerned if it was not extended it took away flexibility for the future of air transport of the island."

"Those who were against the runway are concerned that it would not be necessary to spend that money.

"They also say if it was extended, things like the lighting systems that would have to go with it would all have to be changed."

The island's Chamber of Commerce, has campaigned in support of extending the runway.

Environmental impact

It has said: "A decision to not extend the runway would hit the business community and tourism considerably."

However, arguments other than those about unnecessary spending have also been raised against the plan.

St Martins Deputy Janine Le Sauvage has concerns about the environmental impact it could have on Guernsey.

She says bringing more aircraft into the island would lead to noise pollution.