Loganair has said that meetings in Guernsey yesterday were “very constructive and positive” as the airline met officials to negotiate a path through the island’s air licensing regime.
Unlike Jersey, Guernsey has a ‘partial open-skies’ policy – meaning that some routes are designated as ‘essential’ and therefore need a licence from its government.
One of those is to and from Southampton – a route which failed airline Blue Islands operated.
Scottish carrier Loganair – which rapidly stepped in to fill the gap left by Blue Islands over the weekend – had initially advertised seats between Guernsey and Southampton but had to swiftly remove them when it became clear that a licence was required, which is issued by Guernsey’s Transport Licensing Authority, a political body presided over by Deputy John Gollop.
On Monday, Guernsey’s Economic Development Committee then designated the Guernsey-Jersey route as ‘essential’ from 15 January, meaning that both States-of-Guernsey-owned Aurigny and Loganair will require a licence.
Responding to yesterday’s meetings, Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said: “We had very constructive and positive meetings in Guernsey but at this stage it would be inappropriate to discuss the details.
“We remain fully committed to finding a sustainable way forward to ensure a resilient flying programme.”
One of those Mr Farajallah met was EDC President Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, who said: “I am grateful that Mr Farajallah was able to travel to Guernsey to meet with me at short notice.
“The meeting was constructive, and it was very useful to discuss the opportunities Loganair sees in the Bailiwick.
“It is vital that we protect, and improve, our airlinks in Guernsey, including building greater resilience, and so the committee continues to look at every opportunity carefully.”
It was also revealed on Monday that ministers in Jersey have agreed to provide up to £1.5m to Loganair to “accelerate their full entry into the Jersey market from up to 60 days to within 48 hours”.
Treasury Minister Elaine Millar said that the Government’s contribution to Loganair “recognises that they are commencing operations during a quieter period of the year and will face substantial set-up costs, far in excess of this funding, including the need to lease an additional aircraft on a more expensive short-term basis to provide capacity while their long-term operating model is put in place”.
Express understands that Loganair are looking to recruit the majority of aircrew and cabin crew from Blue Islands, as well as several ground staff from the failed airline.