Governments welcome extension of new flight route

Passengers travel the routes in a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, Finistair said

A French airline's decision to extend its service between Brittany, Jersey and Alderney has been welcomed by government officials and the Ports of Jersey.

Finistair, which has been providing direct flights between the city of Brest and the islands since June, was planning to end the service on 31 August.

The flights, which have provided direct air links between the islands for the first time in years, will now operate through to 14 September, the airline confirmed.

Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas said this was an "encouraging decision", with "strong demand and positive feedback from passengers" showing the value of this regional connection.

Loïc Andro from Finistair said passengers "have shown real enthusiasm for these routes"

The flights are being offered by the airline in partnership with the States of Jersey and Alderney and the Ports of Jersey.

"This summer's success has shown that there is demand among Jersey residents to visit Alderney and Brest, as well as visitors from both destinations to come to Jersey," said Kristen Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development in Jersey.

Stuart Clark, chair of States of Alderney Economic Development Committee, said: "It's fantastic to see the interest this trial has generated during July and August and I am delighted that we're able to extend this service into September to gain a greater understanding of demand" outside the peak holiday season.

"We are delighted to have successfully completed this trial and to extend the service to Jersey and Alderney," said Finistair's CEO Loïc Andro.

He said passengers "have shown real enthusiasm for these routes".

The flights run every Friday and Sunday and the flight time is about 35 minutes from Brest to Jersey, and 15 minutes from Jersey to Alderney, said the airline.