BMI says Heathrow route is 'safe'

BMI is to use smaller jets to fly from Jersey

An airline says reducing the number of services from Jersey to London Heathrow is not a sign that it is about to pull out of the island.

BMI is stopping its morning commuter flight during its winter timetable and will use smaller planes on the route.

It said such seasonal adjustments to schedules were not uncommon.

Its contract with the States to provide the route has three-and-a-half years left to run. A meeting to review the contract is due to be held next year.

'Weaker demand'

BMI began a twice-daily service on the route in March 2007 after being awarded a five-year contract.

The island had been without a link to the Heathrow hub since British Airways (BA) pulled out in October 2000.

The States said it would pay a subsidy as BMI did not expect to make the route pay for the first two years.

BMI said the winter changes were not a sign it was losing confidence in flying out of Jersey.

It said: "BMI, in common with most other airlines, is planning to reduce capacity generally in its network over the winter period in the light of expected weaker demand and high fuel prices.

"Seasonal adjustments to flight schedules and the aircraft that operate them are not uncommon."

The States said it wanted to reassure islanders about the Heathrow route.

'Potential recession'

However, Alan Maclean, the Jersey minister responsible for the airport, said there was always a risk to shorter routes.

He said: "There is always a risk for Jersey as a short-haul destination, and short-haul destinations tend to be more expensive for airlines to operate than the longer haul.

"Consequently, with aviation fuel almost doubling in price over the last 12 months, and a potential recession in the UK - which might lead to people deciding not to travel as much - there's a risk to a number of routes."

BMI and Jersey's government is due to meet to review the contract in March 2009.

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