ISLANDERS could enjoy a cheap air fares bonanza this winter with airlines facing the prospect of being forced to slash prices to boost passenger numbers.
But soaring oil prices and the global credit crunch also mean that the longer-term future of many routes could be under threat, including the Jersey to Heathrow link.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean said that the current environment was difficult for airlines as they faced rapidly rising costs.
‘There is the possibility of a short-term bonus for passengers with airlines dropping fares to attract custom from competitors,’ he said. ‘Ryanair is advertising £1 flights to Ireland which include the cost of taxes and charges.’
One Article Comment
Firstly may I comment that the Jersey-Heathrow service is not necessarily threatened. BMI is currently in the throws of a possible absorbtion by Lufthansa and, failing that, Branson could be considering a merger between Virgin and BMI.
The one pound to Ireland with Ryanair is only one of many routes offered for the same price or even less (1 euro). I myself have booked for Bratislava, Budapest, Oporto and Milan (Bergamo) at that rate. This is not new. Last year, I must have travelled at least 25 times with Ryanair for 5 or 10 euros including all taxes to yes, Dublin, but also to Beauvais, Stansted, Tenerife, Pisa, Valencia, Forli, Palermo, Malta, Zaragoza and Rome. These incredible offers are legion for bookings made before September and for travel betwen September and April.
On what IS new, I would be happy to explain on a separate posting, if permitted (i.e. the revolution regarding airport taxes, hire cars and accommodation).