New air traffic tower plan backed

The new tower could be operational by 2010

A new air traffic control tower is to be built in the Isle of Man after Tynwald approved a £6.5m project to replace the current tower.

Work on the new 35m (155ft) tall Ronaldsway structure will start next month and is expected to take 14 months to complete.

The tower will cost about £3.8m to build, with an additional £1.8m needed for equipment and £800,000 for fees.

The air traffic control tower will become operational early in 2010.

The current tower is in a poor location for visibility and there are also health and safety issues for workers.

By building a new tower to modern standards, airport director Ann Reynolds said safety and operational efficiency would be improved and working conditions for controllers would be greatly enhanced.