DIRECT flights from Jersey to Amsterdam – due to be launched by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines next year – have been hailed as an “important development” by representatives of the Island’s business community.
Jersey Finance chief executive Joe Moynihan said the new service will strengthen international connectivity with “a leading European financial hub” while also providing access to KLM’s “wider global network”.
He made the comments after it was announced that weekly flights to Schiphol Airport will commence on 4 April, before switching to daily flights between 4 July and 30 August and then returning to weekly flights from 31 August until 24 October.
It has not been confirmed whether the service will continue beyond 2026, but Jerome Salemi – Air France-KLM general manager for the UK, Jersey and Ireland – said the airline had an ambition for it to be “long-term”.
Reacting to the announcement, Mr Moynihan commented: “The new Amsterdam service is an important development for Jersey, strengthening our international connectivity with a leading European financial hub and also providing access to KLM’s wider global network with a simple connection.”
He added: “With further enhanced global access, we look forward to more opportunities for engagement and delivering positive benefits for our sector and the Island.”
And Chamber of Commerce president Lee Madden said the organisation was “thrilled” that KLM was launching the route.
“It not only enhances connectivity for our members to a major European city, but the flights also provide access to KLM’s impressive global network,” he continued.
“We know it will be vitally important to support these new services which provide further choice for businesses and improve accessibility for visitors.”
The news was also welcomed by Visit Jersey chief executive Tricia Warwick, who said it marked a “significant step forward”.
“The route links Jersey to one of Europe’s most important travel hubs, creating an opportunity to reach new visitors through KLM’s international network and expertise in the Dutch market,” she continued.
“Importantly, it also provides Jersey with beneficial access to KLM’s wider offering, including the Flying Blue loyalty programme, the SkyTeam global airline alliance, and the added appeal of KLM Holidays, which offers flight and accommodation packages.”
Ms Warwick added: “We look forward to working with Ports of Jersey and KLM to build demand for travel to Jersey, and to sharing our Island’s unique culture, heritage, and world-class hospitality with a wider European audience.”
