Airline link of vital importance

The word ‘lifeline’ is often used to describe this cross-Channel route and, given the vital role it plays for business, tourism and for Islanders transferring to flights to other destinations or seeking medical treatment in the UK, this is an appropriate expression.

It is, therefore, easy to understand why Flybe’s decision, taken earlier this year, to cease operating flights from Jersey to Gatwick was such a cause for concern. Although British Airways remained – and remains – committed to the route, the loss of competition and capacity was seen as regrettable and potentially damaging from a social as well as an economic perspective.

Equally, it is easy to understand why the announcement that easyJet will be launching a year-round Gatwick service from March next year will be widely welcomed. That service, moreover, will operate three times a day, seven days a week and will also offer more seats because of the size of the aircraft designated for the route.

If Flybe reached the decision that their resources could be better employed elsewhere, it is clear that easyJet has ample faith in the future of the Jersey-Gatwick link as well as its other Island services. It also suggests that the airline has faith in the future of Jersey itself. The commitment that has been promised amounts to a very substantial vote of confidence.

As Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean has stressed, many businesses, not least tourism, stand to benefit from the new service. The number of seats available will be a significant factor, but so too will be the price at which they are to be offered.

The finance community might perhaps regret that a ‘red-eye’ flight is not part of the package, but they should remember that BA continues to use that slot. In practice, the availability of the new easyJet schedule should help to ensure that BA’s earliest flight is fully subscribed.

Meanwhile, although the decision to expand its Jersey services ultimately rested with easyJet, the Island’s route development team also played a part in smoothing the way for the new service. We should all be suitably grateful for a job well done.