EasyJet cool on Open Skies

Friday 20 July 2018

Budget airline easyJet has not committed to flying to Guernsey despite the States saying our airlinks will be opened up to competition.

The States overturned the decades old licensing system on Thursday, opting instead for an Open Skies policy on all but the Gatwick and Alderney routes. That means any airline wishing to operate on any other route no longer needs a licence, paving the way - Economic Development hopes - for more routes, new airlines and lower prices.

Easyjet – which once considered operating to London Gatwick, but ultimately decided against it because Aurigny was on the cusp of being granted legal protection on the route – issued a statement, which does little to suggest peoples hopes they will fly here will be realised.

“Flying to and from Guernsey continues to be an operational challenge for easyJet, however we continue to review commercial and operational opportunities and we work with the airport should there be an opportunity in the future.”

Currently an amendment from Deputy Jan Kuttlewascher (pictured below) about utilising more of the runway safety areas to increase takeoff and landing lengths will be debated later in the year - potentially overcoming the 'operational challenge' referred to by easyJet.

Flybe, which unlike the other incumbent airlines had largely remained out of the debate, welcomed the news, with a spokesperson saying: “The approval by the States of Guernsey to liberalise air routes is welcome news and the competition will be of great benefit overall for Guernsey. The Open Skies agreement opens up much needed opportunities for those operators interested in introducing new routes to and from the island and Flybe can confirm that the announcement will not interfere with its existing Channel Island operations or of any future plans it might have.”

States-owned Aurigny had strongly condemned the plans before the debate, warning it could lead to higher fares and fewer routes - preciscely the opposite of what Economic Development intends.

Speaking after their concerns had been resolutely ignored by 22 deputies, CEO Mark Darby said he welcomed the decision to safeguard the Gatwick and Alderney services as lifeline route, but remained skeptical about the promised benefits removing the rest of the licensing regime would bring.

“Importantly, the States have recognised our commitment and investment in the Gatwick service, and have agreed the continuation of this vital lifeline service until at least 2023, without further intervention or review," he said. " On the Alderney route, we welcome the plans for a Public Service Obligation and associated subsidy, which will significantly improve our overall financial position. We hope to see details very soon.

“As for Open Skies, we will have to wait to see the impact on the island’s connectivity. We still believe these proposals are grounded on hope and optimism rather than being evidence based. But, while this may be the case, we must continue to work hard to be the 'economic enabler' that the States wants its airline to be and adjust our operations to meet the challenges that may arise.”

Start up airline Waves – which currently doesn’t fly at all, after deciding to ground its only aircraft for three months – said: “This is a forward step for Guernsey and the islands connectivity into the UK and further afield. This vote encourages companies such as Waves, to consider Guernsey as a location to operate from. Waves is excited to consider all new routes and opportunities for its client base and will release further updates in due course.”

Blue Islands, whose owner and CEO had vociferously  attacked the plans, have been contacted for a reaction but so far non is forthcoming.

General Manager of Ports Colin Le Ray said it was unlikely new airlines and routes would arrive anytime soon.

“Guernsey Airport will now fully assess what today’s decision by the States of Deliberation means practically for passenger services into and out of the Airport.  It’s unclear at this stage whether today’s new policy decision by States members will influence any airline decision to come to Guernsey, as scheduling and routes are planned well in advance. 

“We look forward to working with our colleagues at the Committee for Economic Development on enhancing air routes out of Guernsey in order to expand passenger choice of destinations.”