FLIGHTS to France and Germany are “likely to be” the focus of a new drive to develop Jersey’s air links – with up to £2m being earmarked to “incentivise” airlines to establish routes – according to the Economic Development Minister.
Deputy Kirsten Morel said that Ports of Jersey shared his ambition to explore “new European links” and to increase “existing UK connectivity”.
He made the comments in the States Assembly yesterday in relation to his recent announcement that “up to £2m” could be used to support the development of air routes over the next two years.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf asked for details about how the money would be spent.
Deputy Morel responded: “Route development is a common industry practice to support the market to identify new connectivity opportunities that ultimately underpin all parts of our economy.
“The support package will boost Ports of Jersey’s ability to attract new airlines and secure additional new routes.”
He continued: “This will be delivered in close partnership with Visit Jersey, with their role being to market the Island to potential visitors on those routes.
“Any new routes will ultimately be a decision for the airlines in collaboration with Ports of Jersey, but I know Ports of Jersey share my ambition to boost the Island’s connectivity by increasing existing UK connectivity and exploring new European links to provide greater choice for Islanders and to support our visitor economy.”
Deputy Morel stressed that the funding would be used to “incentivise” airlines to create routes.
“It is not to be used by Ports of Jersey for their own operations. It’s not to be used for ministers to visit anywhere. It is entirely for Ports of Jersey to pass to the airlines to incentivise them to fly to Jersey,” he added.
He said that France and Germany were “likely to be the areas that they look at most”.
Deputy Morel also explained that Jersey would not see large commercial airlines establish new services before next year, adding that “it can take up to three years to get certain routes”.
However, he noted that Ports had also had conversations with smaller airlines and that French firm Finistair had shown an interest in flying routes from Brittany to Jersey.
