Flybe says a route using both islands is more viable

The airline has proposed a new air link between Jersey, Guernsey and Paris.

But Jersey's government says calls by Flybe for a subsidy of about �1m to set up the new air route are excessive, despite agreement by Guernsey States.

Flybe says it could offer a direct service to the French capital from Guernsey if the Jersey route does not go ahead.

'Substantial investment'

Alan MacLean, Jersey's Assistant Minister for Economic Development, said the investment was too risky.

"We are very keen to develop routes into Europe," he said. "We also see tremendous merit in working with Guernsey.

"But it is a two-year offer and the biggest concern is that it is a substantial investment for the taxpayer to make and there is no guarantee at the end of two years, if the route is not successful, that they would continue with it."

Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer, said flying from both islands was more viable.

He said: "We are still in discussions with the States of Guernsey to see if there is an option of running a reduced Guernsey to Paris service.

"But obviously it would be most viable if this was a Jersey and Guernsey route because we think we might be able to get the passenger numbers together to make that work."