Aviation Strategy

Written evidence from the States of Jersey

Economic Development Department (AS 100)

We have given careful consideration to this scrutiny. Many of the questions raised by the Committee are for the United Kingdom alone and are not for us to comment on.

However, parts of your first question have particular relevance to the needs and problems of island communities more dependent on air travel than others who live in mainland Britain. It is in that context we comment as follows -

1. What should be the objectives of Government policy on aviation?

a. How important is international aviation connectivity to the UK aviation industry?

International connectivity is vital if the industry is to meet passenger needs. Poor connectivity deters business and leisure travel. The diversity and inter-connectivity of the aviation route network is of vital interest to our island community. It is imperative that Jersey, no doubt echoing the concerns of other similar communities, retains suitable landing slots at the main London hubs airports. The Government of Jersey has had discussions with UK ministers on this specific issue over the number of years, whenever we felt concerned. There is an apprehension that slots currently allocated to "regional" services will be replaced with "international" slots at the main London airports. This would have a severe impact upon our economy and given the close links between Jersey’s finance industries with the City of London in particular, any loss of service would undoubtedly have a detrimental impact upon the UK economy also.

b. What are the benefits of aviation to the UK economy?

Jersey is not in a position to comment on the wider impacts upon the UK economy in general. However, air travel between the Island and the United Kingdom provides our lifeline link to the UK. It is the main form of passenger travel to and from the UK, which benefits both our communities. The majority of Jersey residents have strong family links with the United Kingdom. There is a very strong link in terms of the Islands use of the UK’s health and education facilities for which the island is charged for the benefit of the UK economy.

c. What is the impact of Air Passenger Duty on the aviation industry?

Air Passenger Duty deters air travel. Jersey does not levy airport passenger duty as it sees this as a disincentive to travel and has the potential to make marginal routes uneconomic to the detriment of ourselves and the UK linked airport.

It is our view that Air Passenger Duty should be as low as reasonably possible for travel between British offshore islands and mainland Britain rather than being based on distance alone.

d. How should improving the passenger experience be reflected in the Government’s aviation strategy?

The passenger experience is best enhanced by good road and rail access into the major regionally and international hub airports.

There should also be a minimum of passenger transfer from one hub to another for onward connexions. Inter-hub transfers are inevitably time-consuming; they are not environment-friendly and are not cost-effective.

e. Where does aviation fit in the overall transport strategy?

This is for the UK to address as a whole but alternatives such as better rail and road transport are relevant for travel within mainland Britain. It is international connectivity and connectivity between hub airports and the remoter regions of the British Isles that should form a significant part of this strategy.

24 October 2012