French regional airline Finistair was awarded the contract to provide a service between the islands at the end of May, along with additional flights from Jersey to Brest in Brittany.
Alderney’s Economic Development Committee chairman Stuart Clark said passenger numbers had got off to a slightly slow start due to the short timeframe between flights first being advertised and starting.
‘Then the first weekend was completely fogged out in Alderney, which didn’t help,’ he said. ‘But since then it has been well used in both directions and we consider it a success.’
He added that the States of Alderney would like to expand the service, as would the airline.
‘But we are constrained by our finances as it does require some subsidy,’ he said. ‘I would hope that we can arrange a similar service next year, but for a longer period, and potentially add a leg to Normandy from Alderney.
‘This will all be up for discussion once this year’s trial has finished.’
Mr Clark said there was a demand in Alderney for direct flights to Jersey due to family connections, tourism, and the many destinations accessible from their airport.
‘There is also significant demand from Jersey residents to be able to visit Alderney for our beautiful and quiet beaches, our many fantastic restaurants, and our sporting facilities and events, particularly golf, padel and cricket,’ he said.
‘We would obviously love to have year-round regular flight connections to Jersey, the lack of direct flights over the past decade or so has undoubtedly had a detrimental effect on our economy, and this is something I hope to rectify as soon as we are able.’
Finistair CEO Loic Andro said the service had proven very popular with both French and British visitors.
‘We had an amazing load factor for the first year,’ he said.
‘We extend till September and would like to follow up, but it has to be discussed. We would love to fly again next year.’
The company had previously suggested including Guernsey on a route.
‘We haven’t decided yet for Guernsey,’ said Mr Andro. ‘But the team is really enthusiastic about this.'
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