25 January 2007
Jersey ’s link to Heathrow likely to be reinstated
It is planned that a contract will be signed tomorrow (Friday) which will reinstate Jersey’s link with Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports and the UK’s primary hub. Economic Development ministers say they feel confident that the final agreement will be signed with BMI to provide two return trips each day from Heathrow. It will secure new connections with hundreds of cities across the world.
BMI’s move is a direct response to a marketing campaign by Jersey Airport, which invited operators to propose new routes into Jersey. This will be the first significant announcement and will bring back the direct connection which was lost in October 2000.
The route is strategically important to the Island and its reinstatement will provide a significant boost for the finance and tourism industries, as well as providing easier connections for local people.
When the route closed in 2000, there was a decrease of 45,000 passengers in and out of Jersey (90,000 movements in total). While other routes absorbed much of the loss, it is thought that Heathrow’s accessibility will be an attractive opening for new foreign visitors and will lead to a beneficial growth in the key short-stay holiday market.
For tourism, Heathrow’s proximity to west London and the Oxford and Thames valley area makes Heathrow an opportunity to attract more visitors from Jersey’s target market for short breaks.
Senator Philip Ozouf, Economic Development, said: ”This is fantastic news. The Heathrow route strengthens our link to the rest of the world, making the Island much more accessible to international travellers and business people and this is great news for our economy and for the people of Jersey.”
Chief Minister Senator Frank Walker said: “I’m delighted about this. I want to congratulate Jersey Airport and Economic Development Department in achieving this important new route which will once more give Jersey a presence and accessibility from one of the busiest airports in the world.”
After the final agreement is signed tomorrow, the route will be launched in March and will be reviewed after three years. Jersey Airport and the Economic Development Department hope this could be the first of many new services and new routes and say the programme for marketing Jersey Airport as a desirable destination will continue.
Julian Green, Jersey Airport’s Director added: “With a population of 85,000 and a dynamic international finance industry there is a buoyant demand for an increased range of air services that meet both leisure and business needs. Our aim this year is to secure more services, which will make Jersey more accessible and enhance our ability to compete even more successfully in the global market.”
Ends
gov.je