17 September 2007
After an absence of nearly four years, Jersey is once again to have a year-round scheduled air service to both Zurich and Geneva. The announcement has been made by local airline, Blue Islands who are reintroducing the service as from 6 November 2007.
With a direct flying time of just ninety minutes, both routes will be served by a new 32-seat Dornier 328 aircraft, one of the fastest and most modern of fuel efficient turboprops. The aircraft will operate the Geneva route on Monday, Wednesday and Friday whilst servicing Zurich on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Deputy Alan MacLean, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, who has specific responsibility for the Airport, says, “The introduction of these services is without doubt great news for the business community but it will also offer leisure travellers a year-round direct connection between Europe and Jersey. Today’s announcement is yet another achievement for Jersey Airport’s marketing strategy and opens up a number of opportunities for inbound tourism, which Economic Development is keen to explore. I congratulate Blue Islands on securing these important routes and wish them every success.”
The announcement has been welcomed by business leaders, including Pierre Horsfall, Chairman of Jersey Finance Limited who says, “The introduction of scheduled flights to and from Geneva and Zurich is excellent news for the Finance Industry. I am sure it will be welcomed by a number of financial institutions that have parent organisations in Switzerland, the increasing number of Jersey firms that have offices or representatives based in these locations and the many other finance professionals with clients or business connections in these important centres. In addition, the more business people from locations such as Switzerland that have the opportunity to fly here directly, the more likely it is that they will visit for meetings when the occasion demands. Their presence in the Island will in turn benefit other industry sectors in Jersey all of which, I am sure, will welcome this new service”
His comments are echoed by Derek Coates, Chairman of Blue Islands who says, “We have been delighted with the co-operation we have received from the Jersey authorities. It is a long overdue air link that places Jersey at the financial centre of Europe”.
Blue Islands have also announced the introduction of an additional flight on the Isle of Man route on Sundays to cope with demand, increasing their service to six flights a week. In summing up today’s announcements, Paul Sabin, Managing Director of Blue Islands says, “We recognised a long time ago the potential for new routes and both Zurich and Geneva are a valuable addition to our existing network. Furthermore, the increased capacity using the Dornier aircraft and additional Sunday flight to the Isle of Man is a direct reflection of passenger demand, particularly from the business community”
gov.je