Back in May, the Royal Mail launched a consultation on its plan to scrap the mail plane and replace it with a ferry service, as this represented a “a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly” option.

The campaign was launched by Christopher Bee, the Managing Director of OceanAir Handling, which has been responsible for managing the island’s air cargo for nearly 35 years.

The proposal was met with significant backlash, with business owners fearing the impact a slower, less-reliable ferry service would have on delivery times.

In response Christopher Bee, the Managing Director OceanAir Handling, who have been responsible for managing the Island’s air cargo for nearly 35 years, launched a petition to rescue the plane. 

Mr Bee told Express previously that, should the mail plane be terminated, OceanAir’s operations would be left “economically unviable”, leaving the island without any air freight handling. 

Pictured: A petition launched to save Jersey’s mail plane service from Royal Mail cuts has been signed over 1000 times.

Chris Le Lion, owner of DMS, Jersey’s longest running fulfilment company, has also voiced his concerns, stating: “The loss of the mail plane reduces the viability of our business going forward.”

Ministers are obliged to respond to any official petition that garners more than 1,000 signatures. At the time of writing, 1,005 islanders have given the bid to rescue the mail plane their backing.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Economic Development, has previously stated that he would be writing to Royal Mail to convey the concerns of local businesses as part of the consultation process.

Mr Bee said: “We remain hopeful that this petition will resonate within the corridors of power, compelling the Government to engage in a substantive, thoughtful dialogue on this pressing issue.”

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