Jet service to Gatwick returns, but flight time stays the same

FLYBE has confirmed that jets will start operating on the Guernsey to Gatwick route from 31 March.

But it will not result in faster journey times and concerns have been raised about the impact it could have on competitor Aurigny.

It had been planned that the 88-seat Embraers would start flying the route last year, but concerns over the strength of Guernsey's runway delayed the introduction of the jets.

Flybe UK managing director Andrew Strong said the strengthening work was now complete.

But while the jet is larger – with 88 seat, compared to the 78 on the Dash-8 Q400 – it will not speed up journeys. The flight time will remain at 55 minutes.