States investing £800k in Flybe Heathrow route

Friday 22 February 2019

Just over £800k is being spent by the States to subsidise Flybe in running a Guernsey/Heathrow service, the majority of which is coming from the Future Guernsey Economic Fund.

Flybe will operate daily flights between Guernsey and Heathrow airport - giving the island a direct connection to the London Airport for the first time in over 20 years.

Starting from 31 March, the regional airline will run seven-days-a-week for the next seven months, with flights departing Guernsey at 14:40 and Heathrow at 17:20 on a daily basis.

But that new route is not coming without a cost to the island, as Economic Development are investing £678,000 in the route, and also providing the airline with a £147,000 discount to land at the airport.

Economic Development President Charles Parkinson said: “We are delighted that Flybe is announcing the launch of this new daily service and prestigious new route, the sixth new air route launch since our ‘Open Skies’ policy went live in September of 2018. Worldwide connectivity through a major international hub is an important achievement of one of the Committees top strategic objectives, and we would like to thank Flybe for their commitment to Guernsey, and to developing Guernsey’s strategic air links.

“This new Heathrow service will not only provide much improved connectivity for Guernsey’s residents and its visitors, but it will also help in the development of the Guernsey economy and in raising Guernsey’s international reputation and profile.”

From 31 March, and for a period of at least 7 months, Flybe has announced that they will operate a daily return flight from Guernsey to Heathrow. Details of onward connectivity (code share) have yet to be announced, but if Connect acquires Flybe, Skyteam partners seem possible.

— Charles Parkinson (@armoricana) February 21, 2019

Shortly after the announcement, Deputy Parkinson added that despite this and other new routes being introduced in recent months, he still felt there were advantages to extending the runway at Guernsey Airport.

"This fulfils our first priority of a connection to an international hub, but we also want a wide range of low-cost regional connections, which might be best delivered by low-cost carriers. They need a longer runway. So this option should be examined," he said on Twitter this morning.

Roy Kinnear, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are naturally delighted to provide Guernsey with connectivity to the capital and onwards to the long-haul destinations available via Heathrow. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many stakeholders including those from government, tourism authorities and airports for their support in enabling us to operate this new service, and we look forward to welcoming many new passengers on board.” 

Pictured: Flybe will be running the daily link with return afternoon flights.

Commenting on the new route, Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye added: “Flybe’s new service will be a huge opportunity to encourage more international tourists to visit this beautiful and unique island, whilst linking Guernsey residents directly to the world.” 

The route will be operated by a 78-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft, with seats available for booking now from Flybe's website.