Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell’s travel expenses for a three-day trip to the UK to meet aviation experts cost nearly $6,000, it has been revealed.

Mr Crockwell and a team of experts flew to London late last year to make a presentation to five officials from the UK’s Department of Transport on Bermuda’s Approach Control and Airspace Modernisation Feasibility Study.

The study was conducted as part of LF Wade International’s plans to adjust and update its runway to abide by new international civil aviation landing regulations. The project has since been completed.

The trip took place between December 14 and 16, and Mr Crockwell’s total expenses were $5,956. His air travel cost a little more than $4,400, while his accommodation in London was $1,142.

Government’s website outlining Ministerial travel expenses states: “The Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport made a presentation to five officials from the Department for Transport on the summary findings of Bermuda’s Approach Control and Airspace Modernisation Feasibility Study.

“Minister Crockwell was accompanied by Thomas Dunstan, director of the Department of Civil Aviation; Bob Withers, manager of air operations; Mike Paone, project manager from Boeing-Jeppessen; and Aaron Adderley, general manager of LF Wade International Airport, who where in the UK attending other prearranged meetings.

“The UK officials included Dr Adam Simmons, deputy director of International Aviation, Safety and Environment Division; Duncan Nicholls, International Aviation, Safety and Environment Division; Karen Neal, desk office for Bermuda at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Mike Alcock, International Aviation Safety and Environment Division; and Maria Boyce, CEO of Airspace Safety Support International.

“Following the presentation, the UK Department for Transport offered its full support of the Bermuda Airspace initiative, acknowledging that the UK anticipated Bermuda would look to assume management of its own Terminal Airspace from the FAA, when Bermuda was willing and able to do so.”

Minister Crockwell’s expenses also included $161 on ground transportation, $217 on meals and $25 on “miscellaneous” expenses.