No third runway for Palma airport

Socias made it clear yesterday, that none of the investments planned for the Islands by the national authorities in Madrid, envisage a third runway being built at Palma airport.

Socias was speaking during a traditional Christmas reception being held for members of the Press. He went on to stress that one of the commitments that the central Socialist government had in the Balearics was the authorisation of 25 million euros for enlarging premises at the airport to be set aside for aircraft maintenance and testing, including hangars and engine trial sites.

A key aim, claimed Socias, is the restructuring of aircraft service Platform A, which lies between Gates D and E. Similarly, a water processing system will be installed which, in the event of the platform collapsing, will ensure that fuel doesn't reach the rainwater drainage networks.

A pump system for rainwater drainage will be set up as well as a network of hydrants for the five aircraft parking positions provisioned with a walkway to terminal A.

This will reduce the coming and going of tankers which transport aviation fuel directly to the aircraft parking areas.
Airport Authority sources highlighted the fact that these works will be carried out in the low tourist season to maintain the smooth-running of Palma airport.

The Spanish Airports Authority (AENA), reported that secondary developments consist of the enlargement of the already-existing aircraft maintenance platform in the area along the eastern flank of Son Sant Joan.

Further support installations, similar to those already in place will be furnished, such as illumination towers, service galleries, water treatment facilities, compressed air, water and electrical supplies for the aircraft.

A new electricity transformer centre will be included in the project, connected to the existing circuit.