30 June 2009
The
Jersey
based operator of The Aviator Restaurant at Jersey Airport, Alpha Group (
Jersey
) Ltd has announced its intention to cease trading as of
31 July 2009
and to concentrate its activity instead on the redevelopment of their catering business within the airside departures lounge.
Andrew Guy, Director of Alpha Group (
Jersey
) Ltd said, “The Aviator Restaurant has operated in the 1937 terminal building for many years and in its heyday proved to be a popular place to eat for both locals and travellers. However, as customer taste has changed, the restaurant has seen a decline in customers over the last few years and with its original fixtures and fittings it is no longer a commercially viable business. It is regrettable, but the company is no longer able to sustain its losses and has taken the decision to close the restaurant earlier than expected. With the eventual redevelopment of the 1937 building due to start towards the end of 2010 it was due to close during this period anyway.
Mr Guy went on to say, “We can now focus instead on the exciting redevelopment of our food and beverage offering in the main airside departures lounge. Our travelling customers will soon be able to enjoy locally produced products in the revamped Island Food Market and Bar. We would like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and custom over the years and will soon be hosting a
VIP
lunch for invited guests to properly thank them before the restaurant closes on 31 July.”
The Aviator Restaurant currently employs six local staff, all of whom have been offered alternative employment within the company.
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Senator Paul Routier, who has specific responsibility for
Jersey Airport, said the company’s decision to close, was not a surprise given the low levels of patronage and the fact that the facility was due to eventually close in 2010. He said, “Jersey Airport management is currently looking at potential uses of the facility for the remaining period before it is due to be redeveloped, including retention of the vacated space for a public viewing area. We are also in active discussion with HMS Host to ascertain whether some form of modest food and beverage facility can be retained”.
gov.je