Plan to suspend subsidised Heathrow link ‘is misguided’
GUERNSEY business groups do not support an amendment to suspend Guernsey’s Heathrow link and said the idea was ‘misguided’.
The Institute of Directors, the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce and the Guernsey International Business Association announced their objection to the amendment lodged by Deputies Mark Dorey and Emilie McSwiggan, which could lead to the termination of the service.
‘The Guernsey-Heathrow link has been a highlight of the States air links strategy over the last year,’ IoD committee member James Ede-Golightly said.
‘Moreover, the rationale for the amendment is misguided as our analysis suggests that Heathrow is not the predominant cause of Aurigny’s losses.’
In March, Flybe was given £825,000 to start the Heathrow link for a seven-month trial period, and that has now been extended until March next year.
The groups support the intention of Policy & Resources, in consultation with the Economic Development committee, to develop a coordinated and coherent framework for all aspects of air route operation and support under the influence and control of the States.
They believe a framework is required to ensure all aspects of air route policy are focused on delivering the objectives of affordability, connectivity and reliability for islanders and visitors using Guernsey’s air links. These objectives were approved by the States in December 2018.
Mr Ede-Golightly said: ‘Delivering these objectives are key if air links are to serve as an economic enabler for business generally and in particular key sectors such as tourism. They will also provide important social-economic benefits, making Guernsey a more attractive place to live and work.
‘The framework should also ensure that an effective balance is delivered between the need to maintain certain capabilities in States control on the one hand and the importance of attracting, maintaining and supporting airlines provide services to and from Guernsey.’
It is believed all operators should be provided with a transparent and a level playing field, while ensuring that where States funding is provided, it is done so against a clearly established socio-economic rationale.
To support this, the business groups are calling for a response from the community on how airlinks have improved over the last 12 months.
Responses will inform the groups in the ongoing discussions regarding Guernsey’s connectivity.
Groups will be sharing the feedback with prospective deputies and the current States of Guernsey.
Everyone is welcome to complete the survey which can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JCTYD3S
The results will be presented before the end of this year.
