Waves was initially due to start flying in August 2017 but came up against a number of difficulties, including a legal challenge from rival airline Blue Islands.
The competitor argued that due to the fact that Waves were selling individual seats rather than operating a charter service, they would need to first obtain an Air Transport Licence from Guernsey’s Transport Licensing Authority.
At the time, Waves argued that it was operating as an air taxi service and did not need a permit from the Guernsey TLA.
But after lodging an application in January, the airline has now been granted a licence meaning that it will be able to operate flights by selling seats either on an individual basis or through charters of its aircraft.
Nick Magliocchetti, chief executive of Waves, did not release any details on the pricing or schedule of its services but said that further announcements would be made in due course.
‘I would firstly like to thank the Transport Licensing Authority for this positive decision and for their efforts working tirelessly through the very thorough process, granting us the approval to fly to and from Guernsey to both Jersey and Alderney,’ he said.
‘The fact that they have granted us the licence is proof our business is a perfect fit for the inter-island air travel market. We have always maintained that we are here to fill a gap in that market and not compete with existing carriers.’
He added: ‘We offer a niche service that is designed to attract customers who may have chosen not to fly because of inconvenient schedules or pricing structures.’
