Regional connectivity review could lead to cheaper flights

Thursday 16 January 2020

The near-collapse of Flybe could yet end up being beneficial to Guernsey, should a UK review of regional connectivity include the island in a proposal to reduce domestic air passenger duty.

Economic Development President Charles Parkinson yesterday told the States he will do what he can to ensure Guernsey's interests, as a Crown Dependency of the UK, are considered as part of that review.

Flybe was pulled from the brink of collapse after shareholders invested more money into the company, having first held out for direct government support. 

As part of the deal agreed by all parties, the UK Government launched a review of regional connectivity which "will ensure all nations and regions of the UK have the domestic transport connections local communities rely on".

We are delighted with the support received from the Government & the positive outcome for our people, our customers and the UK. Flybe remains committed to providing exceptional air connectivity for the UK regions with the full support of its shareholders. https://t.co/2HxRMcd5gh

— Flybe ✈ (@flybe) January 14, 2020

As part this work and ahead of the March Budget, the Treasury will also be reviewing Air Passenger Duty "to ensure regional connectivity is strengthened" while meeting the UK’s climate change commitments to meet net zero by 2050.

Deputy Parkinson said this review had the potential to benefit Guernsey and our regional connections with the UK. 

"I am very encouraged by it [the review] because I think there is a possibility that Guernsey passengers may be able to benefit from the outcome of that review,' he said. "Although international relations are not within our mandate, we will obviously be doing everything we can to ensure that Guernsey's interest are taken into consideration in that review."  

The UK Treasury review into regional connectivity may benefit Guernsey. I see this development as positive.

— Charles Parkinson (@armoricana) January 14, 2020

His committee is due to meet with Flybe CEO Mark Anderson next week, where the London Heathrow route is likely to come up for discussion. Economic Development has been subsiding the return of a Flybe-operated Guernsey-Heathrow service since March 2019. 

Pictured top: Deputy Charles Parkinson.