bmi and Heathrow route

20 January 2009

The Economic Development Minister has expressed disappointment at bmi’s decision to end its air service between Jersey and Heathrow on 28 March 2009.

Senator Alan Maclean says, “The airline industry has been heavily impacted by the global financial crisis with more than 32 airlines going out of business within the last 12 months. Many other airlines have been forced to cut routes and with the bmi decision to end the Heathrow service it is a sad reflection of the current economic climate. The Heathrow route has proved successful in attracting valuable business and leisure visitors to the Island, since it was introduced in March 2007. It has also achieved its objective of helping to grow the whole London market.

“I endorse the sentiments expressed by bmi’s Managing Director and hope, in more favourable times, to be able to work with the airline again.

“Jersey Airport will actively seek another operator for the Heathrow route, but don’t realistically envisage an immediate replacement for the service, given the difficult trading circumstances airlines are currently facing.

“In the meantime, Jersey is still very well served by the Gatwick route, which has excellent onward links.”