A contract has been signed today to reinstate Jersey’s link with Heathrow. The agreement with bmi will provide two return trips each day from Heathrow, securing connections with hundreds of cities across the world.bmi’s move is a direct response to a marketing campaign by Jersey Airport, which invited operators to propose new routes into Jersey. This will be the first significant announcement and will bring back the direct connection which was lost in October 2000.

The route is strategically important to the Island and its reinstatement will provide a significant boost for the finance and tourism industries, as well as providing easier connections for both visitors and Jersey residents.

When the route closed in 2000, there was a decrease of 45,000 passengers in and out of Jersey (90,000 movements in total).  While other routes absorbed much of the loss, it is thought that Heathrow’s accessibility will be an attractive opening for new foreign visitors and will lead to a beneficial growth in the key short-stay holiday market. 

The route is set to be launched on March 25th and will be reviewed after three years. This partnership agreement between the carrier, the Airport and the Economic Development Department is the first of what the Island authorities hope will become a range of new initiatives to support new route development, with a number of further destinations also being targeted including Paris and Zurich. 

Julian Green, Jersey Airport’s Director said:  “With a population of 87,000 and a dynamic international finance industry there is a buoyant demand for an increased range of air services that meet both leisure and business needs. Our aim this year is to secure more services, which will make Jersey more accessible and enhance our ability to compete even more successfully in the global market.” 
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