Competitive ticket prices are thought to be helping numbers

Recent figures from Guernsey Airport show for the first week of competition on the Guernsey to Jersey route in September between Rockhopper and Aurigny, there were more passengers travelling between the islands.

Rockhoppers chairman Noel Hayes says it is still early days for its airline route because it only started a couple of months ago, but it is significant that passenger numbers are going up.

Aurigny said its services provide a lifeline for local communities and their business and tourism sectors.

Bus-stop flights

From Monday, Rockhoppers, which used to be known as Le Cocqs, is also offering a new lunchtime flight.

The airline says the new flights are the next step in plans to build a regular "bus-stop" type service between the islands.

The new service, will mean Rockhopper offering at least 10 flights every weekday between Guernsey and Jersey.

Rockhoppers' Noel Hayes says he believes an increase in passenger numbers will continue because of competitive ticket prices.