The newly-appointed ports director Ann Reynolds has said the merger of the airports and harbours divisions ‘makes complete sense’.
Ms Reynolds, who took on the role last week, said she was looking forward to working on the strategic side of the harbours side, admitting she was a ‘big fan’ of the Steam Packet ‘and always have been’.
And she said she had a ‘healthy respect’ for Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward and the user agreement, which gives exclusive use of the link span at the Douglas Harbour to the company. Ms Reynolds, who has been the director of Isle of Man Airport since May 2007, has taken on the role of ports director following the retirement of Captain Mike Brew.
Infrastructure Minister David Cretney has said the merger is initially an interim measure while work continues on the review of the structure and Scope of Government.
Looking to the future of both the airport and the harbours, Ms Reynolds said: ‘We are in the hands of the government’s political decision for both operations.’ She said her priority was to maintain safety and services. Ms Reynolds said both the harbours and airport had ‘no real issues’ on the day-to-day side. But she said that in strategic terms, they both have some ‘quite big topics on the table’.
At the airport, easyJet are yet to confirm the timing of a second flight to Gatwick and she is waiting to hear BA CityFlyer’s summer timetable in respect of London City. A Tynwald committee is also considering the open skies policy.
On the harbours side, Ellan Vannin Line has unveiled plans for a new daily cargo service to Heysham. A passenger service could follow by TT next year. She said it was important to remember her role encompassed more than just Douglas harbour, pointing to the success of the work in Peel to turn it into a ‘very nice and busy operation’.
Funding for strengthening of Port St Mary’s Alfred Pier is due to be sought in the 2014/15 budget process.