Jet centre overhaul to meet expected demand hike

The Isle of Man's only private jet terminal is set to be modernised and expanded.

As well as updating the current building, which was opened in 2015, a new 10-bedroom boutique hotel is to be built for passengers and crew.

Harry Ackerman of owners Megacorp Aviation Ltd said the investment would "stimulate further economic growth for the island and attract more traffic”.

He said the investment reflected the expected increase in air traffic over the next two years.

The firm said the new terminal, which would include offices and a business centre, would also "create up to 20 further jobs".

A "dedicated" team would create "an aviation technology park" at the Ronaldsway site, including a doubling the existing hangar space to 3,716 sq metres (40,000 sq ft), it added.

Mr Ackerman said: "Expectations for activity levels in 2024-25 are optimistic and this growth is anticipated to be driven by several factors."

Those included the Manx government's "marketing efforts to attract more visitors to the island".

Mr Ackerman said the island's "robust infrastructure and regulatory framework" continued to attract "numerous private aircraft owners and businesses".

"There’s demand for enhanced space and facilities as a result," he added.

Airport commercial director Hannah Lo Bao said they were "thrilled" with the plans and were "eagerly anticipating" the growth of the private aviation sector.

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