Islanders will be able to fly to Brest in France this summer as part of a trial funded by Jersey’s government.

Breton airline Finistair will also operate flights between Jersey and Alderney under the deal.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said the trial would help Jersey’s government “assess the appetite for a longer-term service between the islands and France”.

The services will run every Friday and Sunday from 27 June to 31 August.

The Cessna Grand Caravan that will operate the route was “well-suited for short regional routes”, according to Finistair.

“This new connection aims to strengthen cultural, social and economic ties between the Channel Islands and Brittany,” the airline said.

Brest Bretagne Airport was labelled an “ideal hub” for onward travel across France and the continent.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: “We hope it will boost both cultural and economic connections with our neighbours.

“I’m pleased that we are improving our air-route connectivity, enabling islanders to reach
both Alderney and Brest throughout the summer while also attracting new visitors to
Jersey.”

Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas said: “We are pleased to welcome the trial of this new route connecting Jersey with both Brittany and Alderney.

“This summer service is a welcome addition to our connectivity to Europe and will offer island residents the opportunity to fly directly to a new destination, as well as re-establishing flights to Alderney.”

The chair of Alderney’s Economic Development Committee, Stuart Clark, said: “We’re delighted that an air link has been established between Alderney and Brest via Jersey following extensive discussions between the Economic Development Committee, Finistair, the Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey.

“Alongside the recent launch of other inter-island transport links, this trial air link from Finistair could also prove vital in demonstrating the demand for regional connectivity too, and we are looking to see what opportunities this may afford in the future.”

Blue Islands announced in February that it would be running direct flights to Paris this summer. The airline also previously operated a direct route to Rennes.

Express has asked the government how much it spent on the trial scheme.