Guernsey investigating getting air traffic revenue

Guernsey Ports currently manages the air traffic control services in Guernsey and Alderney.

Guernsey's States has opened talks with Ports of Jersey about getting a share of the £6m it gets from directing international air traffic over the Channel Islands.

President of Guernsey's States Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) Peter Roffey said a historic agreement sees the French government pay for air traffic control around the Channel Islands.

He said "historically that money goes to Jersey, despite Guernsey providing parts of the service and I don't think that's acceptable".

The BBC has contacted the French government and the Ports of Jersey for comment.

At a meeting hosted by the Institute of Directors, Roffey was asked whether he was investigating getting a share of the money from Jersey.

He confirmed the STSB has opened a dialogue with representatives in Jersey with the aim of getting Guernsey a share of the £6m.

Guernsey's Chamber of Commerce has also called for the island to get a share of the money.

Chamber director James Ed-Golightly said the current system "should be reformed to benefit the Channel Islands as a whole, especially given Guernsey’s obligation to support Alderney airport.

"At £6m per year, these revenues are material."