15 January 2009

Jersey loses Heathrow air link

Cost increases and the economic downturn have been blamed for a decision by Bmi to scrap loss-making Heathrow-Jersey flights.

The service is to be dropped on March 28 after only two years of operation.

The route was launched in March 2007 through a joint agreement with the States of Jersey and the States of Jersey Airport.

"Unfortunately, the economic downturn as well as cost increases have prevented the route from achieving an acceptable level of financial performance," Bmi said in a statement.

Passengers holding bookings for flights after the service terminates will be contacted with details of alternative travel arrangements where possible, the airline said.

Bmi mainline managing director Peter Spencer said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have had to make the decision to terminate our Jersey to Heathrow operation.

"The association of Bmi with Jersey goes back decades and it is a relationship we are very proud of.

"Despite efforts to modify the service to improve its efficiency through the introduction of smaller aircraft, we see little prospect of profitability being achieved in the foreseeable future."

The withdrawal of the service from Heathrow does not impact on the operation of bmibaby services to Jersey, the company said.

Bmibaby operates to Jersey from East Midlands, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester.

by Phil Davies