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Air passenger numbers were up but fewer people took the ferry to and from the UK last year - although sailings to France and Guernsey proved more popular.
Overall sea passenger figures increased 6% on 2013 with 786,000 passengers travelling through the harbour and the head of the ports hopes to see numbers up again this year when the new fast speed ferry arrives in March.
Numbers at the airport are up for the sixth month in a row. By the end of last year more than 1.47 million passengers had travelled in and out – up over 3% on 2013.
Ports of Jersey CEO Doug Bannister said: “Our route development team’s efforts in working with transport providers to increase capacity and product ranges has contributed to this success. Furthermore, we have seen a relatively quiet year in terms of operational disruptions and inclement weather conditions affecting the ports in 2014, which can of course hinder passenger’s travel plans and therefore affect overall passenger numbers.
“Although customer demand drops off over the winter period leading to the inevitable reduction in the number of air routes available, December 2014 was a very busy month for Jersey Airport. Summer 2015 services are now available to book and of course we look forward to the arrival in March this year of the new Condor vessel on the UK route, which will increase both passenger and vehicle capacity on this important sea link.”
Flights to and from London have been the most popular with more flights now available to Gatwick with British Airways and easyJet.
Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham said: “Despite the economic pressures we continue to face it is encouraging to see that year-end figures for both air and sea passengers appear to be heading in the right direction. It also proves that passenger demand can lead to an increase in capacity, as demonstrated by the success of the Gatwick route.
“2015 will continue to be a challenge for us but I have every confidence that the route development programme, implemented so successfully by Ports of Jersey will continue to pay dividends, which will be of great benefit to the vitally important tourism and business economy.”
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