Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has today announced that its brand new 88-seat Embraer jet aircraft will operate up to four key flights a day between Guernsey and London Gatwick from March 31st.

The airline has long wanted to offer its Guernsey passengers a jet service on this key route and is now able to announce the much-awaited news as a direct result of the upgrade to and strengthening of the Guernsey airport runway that now allows the operation of this jet aircraft into the island.

Andrew Strong, Flybe’s MD UK comments: “We know there is a demand for a jet service on this route from both the business and leisure sectors travelling to and from the Island and our E-175 jets have been very positively received by passengers since they joined the Flybe fleet just over a year ago. With a minimum of 30” leg room and 2x2 seating, they demonstrate our product commitment to providing enhanced passenger comfort and convenience.”

Mr Strong adds: “We believe from feedback received on the London Gatwick route that our passengers will welcome the Embraer jet on this route with its added comfort, quietness and speed. The E175 can deliver the right economic and environmental performance on this type of route. We therefore hope that Guernsey passengers will continue to support Flybe and the new much-awaited jet so ensuring sustainability of the service and we look forward to welcoming them on board in March when they can experience first-hand the aircraft’s added benefits.”