A BUSINESS that was founded 26 years ago has checked in its final Airport passengers.
Airline Services – the last locally owned handling agent at the Airport – has handed over duties to Swissport.
As British Airways’ longstanding franchise partner, Airline Services began after BA stopped handling its own flights in Jersey.
However, in September, the business was told that BA’s parent company, IAG, had decided not to accept its tender to continue ground handling in Jersey.
Airlines Services’ staff checked in their last BA passengers for a flight to Heathrow yesterday morning and that evening greeted their final aircraft.
The company will continue to operate the BA executive lounge.
Managing director Bob Wickings said: ‘It is a sad and emotional day and it is difficult to believe that it is actually happening.
‘More than anything, I would like to thank our staff for their loyalty and dedication; they have provided a fantastic service to our customers over the years, especially at times of travel disruption.
‘We are obviously disappointed not to have been able to continue the contract after more than two decades, but we leave with our heads held high.’
Airline Services employed up to 35 people in the height of summer and around 20 staff members marked the final departure yesterday.
Mr Wickings said that some employees were retiring, one or two were moving to Swissport, around a dozen would continue working in the executive lounge, and the rest had found or were seeking employment elsewhere.
‘We have received a lot of job offers from other organisations at the Airport, including Ports of Jersey, catering and WH Smith, and we have passed these on to staff,’ he said. ‘We are doing all we can to help affected staff.’
The end of Airline Services’ contract with BA means that Swissport is now the only ground-handling agent at Jersey Airport.
lFurther report by Bailiwick Express available now.
