Tourism boss says more than one airline needed

Tourism bosses think several airlines need to operate routes to and from Guernsey

A tourism boss has warned Guernsey should "not be left vulnerable" with only one airline operating, following the collapse of Blue Islands.

Alan Sillett, president of the Guernsey Hospitality Association, said: "We can't have a model where one airline is trying to do everything."

States-owned Aurigny has stepped in to operate Guernsey to Jersey and Guernsey to Southampton flights services which were run by Blue Islands.

It has also confirmed it will apply for the licence to service the "vital" air route between the islands on a longer-term basis.

Mr Sillett told BBC Guernsey any business operating the inter-island route needs to "offer ticket prices that are reasonable."

"I think one of the reasons that numbers declined so much in the last 10 years or more is the cost of the fares became too expensive," he said.

He added there was a "really good opportunity" to increase the numbers of passengers travelling between the islands.

The Guernsey government has said the inter-islands route will become an essential air route and operators will need a licence.

Mr Sillett said the route could be shared "if it is co-ordinated properly".

Mr Sillett said the island needs Aurigny and Loganair which operate in Guernsey and added: "We need to look at introducing a major airline or two on certain routes."

He warned: "We can't consider an air links model where one airline is trying to do everything."

He said Guernsey had "a great offering" which could attract airlines.