March 5, 2021 at 1:01 pm Kirkwall Airport control tower. The Union representing air traffic controllers has called for a halt to the controversial remote towers project helmed by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. (HIAL). Prospect union has responded, this afternoon, Friday, to what it had branded a “damning” report examining the impact of the proposed Air Traffic Management Strategy (ATMS). The impact assessment for the ATMS has forecast “very significant negative impacts” on Orkney’s economy, if current plans go ahead — including widespread job losses at airports across the region. While HIAL has today confirmed plans to proceed with the scheme, Prospect is urging the airport operator to “pause” its plans.