Jersey mail plane could be replaced by ferry

Royal Mail is holding a consultation on ending the provision of a next day service to the Crown Dependencies

A ferry could be used instead of a plane for moving mail between Jersey and the UK.

The change is being explored as Royal Mail holds a consultation on its 2023 Postal Scheme, including ending the provision of a next day service to the Crown Dependencies.

Royal Mail is required to provide next day delivery to all addresses in the UK, which the islands are not part of.

The "joint exploration" between the Royal Mail and Jersey Post is looking at alternatives to the dedicated flight.

Royal Mail said: "This would provide an opportunity to jointly reduce costs while demonstrating a commitment to minimising the impact on the environment.

"This would help Royal Mail reduce its reliance on flights as it works towards a 2040 net zero target.

"It would result in a two-day service, instead of next day for priority mail, for sending and receiving mail from the UK to Jersey."

Royal Mail said while it did not at this stage intend to review the flight to and from the Bailiwick of Guernsey, it was possible that it may do so in the future.

The proposed change to its Scheme would allow Royal Mail to make these changes without further consultation.

David McGrath, Jersey Post's chief commercial officer, said it was "exploring the use of ferries to move post between the UK and Jersey instead of a dedicated flight" with Royal Mail.

He said: "This consultation forms part of a regular operational review by Royal Mail and while it is ongoing and the outcomes unknown, it would be inappropriate for Jersey Post to comment further at this time.

"Our priority is ensuring our customers receive a reliable, consistent service."