Jersey Airport put under 'special attention' following new staff hires

Jersey Airport is receiving extra surveillance from safety experts following a changeover of staff.

The 'additional regulatory oversight', also known as 'special attention', comes from the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation - and can be applied where there are safety concerns, complex development or significant operational changes.

Ports of Jersey say it is due to changes made to the operational leadership team.

ITV News understands that seven new team members have been hired. They are from places like Gatwick and even Dubai Airport.

Ports explained that the move is to "ensure high safety standards and regulatory compliance are maintained, while new, highly experienced, members of the senior operational team integrate into their roles."

Michael Gadd has spent 35 years in the aviation industry, working with the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

He said: "It's not unreasonable for the regulator to increase the level of surveillance, maybe carry out some additional audits to be satisfied that the changes to the organisation embed well and are not disruptive.

"Practically, it would mean that they are applying a little more oversight resource, more of the team, more of their time, to assess and monitor."

Ports of Jersey added: "Jersey Airport complies with all aviation regulations and safe, secure operations will always be our most important priority ... This additional oversight was not the result of an audit, there are no gaps in senior management's technical knowledge, and there have been no changes to the everyday safe operation of the airport."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...