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29
WQ.210/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, SPORT AND CULTURE
BY DEPUTY S.M. AHIER OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2020
Question
Will the Minister advise the Assembly –
- whether the Government of Jersey is supplying the airline, Blue Islands, with financial assistance and, if so, how much and for how long will such assistance be provided; and
- whether the Government is considering providing financial support for any airlines that operate a service to and from Jersey?
Answer
- Covid-19 has disrupted global travel significantly with a largescale decline in passenger numbers following the introduction of travel restrictions across the world. In the absence of commercial flights, the Government entered into a contract with Blue Islands to secure lifeline services to and from the UK for the movement of non-emergency medical patients and essential workers. The contract with Blue Islands has a minimum term of three months and up to £330,000 has been allocated to provide these essential flights.
Blue Islands are also eligible to apply for payroll support for any Jersey-based employees.
- Restoring air connectivity will be critical to the recovery of the Island's economy in the months ahead. It is incumbent on the Government to work very closely with Ports of Jersey, Visit Jersey and key stakeholders such as the Jersey Hospitality Association and Jersey Finance to restore air connectivity as soon as it is safe to do so. Together with Ports of Jersey, we are in very regular contact with our key airline business partners. We stand ready to discuss tailor-made incentives and support with each of our airline partners – none of them are immune from the impact of COVID-19.