TRIBUTES have been paid to former managing director of Flybe Ian Taylor following news of his recent death.
Mr Taylor, who was also chief executive of the Island’s Chamber of Commerce after leaving the aviation industry, died aged 70 in late January following a spell in hospital in France.
The former pupil of Halkett Place Primary School, Vauxhall Boys and Victoria College spent a decade working for CI Ferries before joining Jersey European Airways as general manager for the Channel Islands in 1994.
The airline changed its name to British European in 2000, and again to Flybe two years later as part of the rapid expansion of low-cost airlines, fuelled by the growth of the internet and – in Flybe’s case – the takeover of British Airways subsidiary BA Connect.
Mr Taylor took early retirement from Flybe in 2013 and became chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce. He held the role for two years, and over the past decade had divided his time between Jersey and a home in Arcachon, near Bordeaux.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, who was chair of the Tourism Board during Mr Taylor’s time with Flybe, said: “Ian was an energetic and formative voice in the travel and tourism sector for many years – he was very forward-thinking and it was always very productive working with him.”
Current chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce Murray Norton said he had learned the news with great sadness, expressing condolences to Mr Taylor’s family and friends.
He said: “Ian was well known and respected in the business community, and I know that many in Jersey will be saddened to hear of his passing.
“He brought with him a wealth of commercial experience from the airline industry – he was instrumental in bringing change to Chamber so that it could concentrate on supporting members and helping to foster a prosperous and sustainable economy.”
Ray Shead, a former president of the Chamber, added: “Ian was a very good fit as chief executive – he was very well connected and adept at lobbying government and other organisations.”
Mr Shead said they had been friends for 30 years and would meet whenever Mr Taylor was back in Jersey, invariably discussing their shared interest in sport over lunch.
“He loved his football and cricket, and always wanted the latest cricket news after complaining that L’Equipe [the daily French sports title] never had any reports of the test match,” he said.
Mr Taylor was a sports fanatic who played football for Old Victorians and subsequently became an accomplished long-distance swimmer.
DJ and former nightclub manager Chris Tanguy said he had first encountered Mr Taylor after a “difference of opinion” over an excess luggage charge for a performer visiting Jersey, but had subsequently become a good friend.
“Ian was never afraid to front up on Flybe’s behalf, but he was first and foremost a lovely man and terrific company,” he said.
Mr Taylor leaves two children: his daughter, Lauren, is an advocate, while his son, Cameron, works for the Government of Jersey, based in the London office. The family intends to arrange a memorial service in the Island towards the end of March on a date to be confirmed.
