Flybe calls for an end to state control of aviation

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional low-cost airline, today called for an end to the business-as-usual approach to aviation as practiced by the States of Guernsey.

Responding officially to the Commerce and Employment Department Briefing Paper, ‘The Regulation and Development of Transport (Air and Sea) Links’, Flybe reiterates its long-held view that passengers and taxpayers of are being let down by the continued government ownership of Aurigny and the retention of a licensing regime.

The Flybe submission calls for the States to adopt an ‘Open Skies’ policy, similar to the rest of Europe, noting that such a change would lead to more competition, more passengers and greater economic benefits for Guernsey. The experience of the Isle of Man is used to highlight what a difference market liberalisation could make with CAA data showing that Manx passenger numbers are up by 8.61% over the past four years, compared to a woeful drop of 4.34% for Guernsey.

Commenting on the Flybe response, Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer said:

“Flybe welcome the steps towards liberalisation brought about under Deputy Stuart Falla's leadership, but recognise that these reforms cannot be built upon because of the massive contradiction at the heart of the government policy - the state ownership of Aurigny.”

Rutter continued:

“Guernsey’s continued opposition to a liberalised aviation policy flies in the face of logic and damages the economy of the island. That’s why we are again calling upon the States to give up their ownership of Aurigny, embrace and Open Skies agenda and get rid of the arcane system of licensing.”