Chamber boss: States should act to improve transport links

The statement from Chamber of Commerce president Martyn Dorey follows news that Waves will be changing its business model, no longer selling individual seats on its aircraft before making a full air transport licence application.

The decision was taken following legal proceedings by fellow airline Blue Islands against the island’s regulatory authority for allowing Waves to operate without the licence.

Waves had originally launched as an on-demand air taxi service and so argued it was exempt from licensing.

Mr Dorey said the change imposed on Waves ‘does not support our members’ need for improved connectivity’. He called for more forward thinking from the States and an investigation into whether the relevant legislation could be adapted.

‘Chamber is entirely supportive of our 600-strong corporate membership, including Blue Islands, and as part of that we recognise the hugely important requirement for good transport links,’ he said.

‘We respect Waves’ decision to change its business model, by stopping selling single seats and only allowing full chartering of the aircraft, in response to the prospect of the Transport Licensing Authority hearing.

‘If there are concerns about the definition of an air taxi service, though, States members are able to drive the agenda to allow for new, innovative business models in the Bailiwick’s airspace. They could, for example, demonstrate agility by quickly introducing legislation for a new on-demand category,’ he said.

Full story in Saturday's Guernsey Press