BRITISH Airways is “absolutely critical” to the Island’s economic future, the External Relations Minister has told a Scrutiny panel as he highlighted the importance of the Heathrow link amid efforts to enhance connectivity with London.
Senator Ian Gorst made the comments during a hearing with the Economic and International Affairs Panel, which included a number of questions about the government’s strategy for growing the Island’s financial services sector.
The Time to Win document unveiled in March included a delivery roadmap outlining a wide range of actions being pursued as part of the programme, which is backed by a funding envelope of almost £31 million.
A number of these were discussed during yesterday’s hearing, including plans for further investment in greater connectivity with London.
Senator Gorst told the panel that he had discussed the subject with Ports of Jersey and Economic Development Minister Gerald Voisin.
“We live in a world where airline transport is even more difficult,” he said, noting that easyJet has made cuts to its winter schedule in the wake of rising jet fuel prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East (see story on page 9).
“Ports of Jersey are the people authorised on behalf of government to have those conversations with carriers,” Senator Gorst continued.
“I have been absolutely clear with them – and we are perfectly aligned on this – that British Airways is absolutely critical to our economic future, the link to Heathrow is critical to our economic future, and an evening later rotation all year round leaving Jersey to go back to the UK with BA is also critical.”
Senator Gorst added: “I believe it’s so critical that if Ports of Jersey need financial support to deliver and maintain those, then I’m prepared and think it’s the right use for the competitiveness fund to support them.”
Plans within the Time to Win programme also include increasing investment in
“targeted external marketing” and the development of a concierge service to ensure “a warm welcome to new-to-Island international business”, among other priorities.
Treasury Minister Alan Maclean told the panel that: “It sends a message out to industry that we’re open for business, we have a growth agenda and we’re going to push it through fast.”
Senator Maclean continued: “Don’t forget, many of the businesses in Jersey are multi-jurisdictional.
“If there’s too much friction here, for example, at whatever level – it’s too costly, we’re not competitive, it’s too hard – they’ll put their clients where they’re going to be treated the best and get the best results and outcome.
“That’s what we’re adjusting to now and I think it’s really important that new opportunities are beginning to flow, because industry is beginning to understand that we’ve sent the message out – there’s a change afoot, we’re here for growth and we want you here and we want you to grow your business here.”
