Airlines asked to bid for patient transfer service

About 15,000 patient transfer journeys are taken each year

Airlines interested in operating the Isle of Man's patient transfer system to the UK for hospital appointments and treatment have been asked to come forward.

Manx Care has invited eligible airlines to submit expressions of interest as the existing contract expires in September.

The agreement sees the Manx government arrange air transport to Liverpool for patients who need treatment in UK hospitals.

About 15,000 patient transfer journeys are taken each year with operator Loganair, which took over the service following the collapse of Flybe in 2020.

The contract involved a minimum daily return service from Monday to Friday providing flights mainly to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Patients are sent to UK hospitals for specialist treatments that were not available on the island, including specialised cancer treatment, burn care and transplants.

The government has contracts with several hospitals, predominantly in the North West.

Only operators holding a current UK CAA issued Air Operator’s Certificate or Air Transport Licence were eligible for inclusion in the tender process, which can be accessed via the government's portal.

The deadline for applying to take over the services is 28 June.