Ports of Jersey has confirmed that ‘early discussions’ have begun about the future of the registry.
When the registry was launched in 2015 it was hoped that it would generate thousands in fees and encourage wealthy aircraft owners to do business and spend money in the Island.
But, 21 months on, just a couple of aircraft – a Cessna private jet and a helicopter – have been signed up despite an outlay of more than £860,000 in set-up costs and maintenance fees being incurred by the States.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Murray Norton has previously said that the department is working hard on deals that could salvage the registry.
However, Deputy Simon Brée, who chairs the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel under whose remit the registry falls, has argued that Ports of Jersey should be ‘handed the reins’.
Airport director Stephen Driscoll confirmed that Ports of Jersey was ‘in early stage discussions with Economic Development in relation to the future operation of Jersey’s Aircraft Registry’.
