Article from BTNews 6 APRIL 2020
Newquay controversy and Isle of Man
BA Cityflyer has swapped its Isle of Man operation from London City Airport (LCY) to Heathrow and now has a daily flight operated by Loganair. At the same time a bid by Blue Islands, the Channel Islands operator, for a similar service from Cornwall Newquay Airport seems to have deteriorated into a quarrel between the Department for Transport (DfT) and Cornwall County Council.
Three weeks ago the DfT issued a tender for air service between Newquay and London, services cancelled due to Flybe’s demise. Blue Islands, already an LCY airline, bid with a Cornwall to City operation. Due to that airport’s closure this was changed to Heathrow, preferably T5 (T2 also has domestic gates) with a morning and evening service using a similar ATR aircraft as Loganair is now flying.
The DfT contracted Cornwall County Council to deal with the matter, who returned it to Westminster, who now say it is Cornwall’s responsibility. The county administrative centre Truro is five hours by road (plus a stop) from London and about the same by the limited GWR services. “We can start Newquay – Heathrow services within 24 hours, subject to public health guidance,” said Blue Islands director Paul Simmons. “It is already acknowledged as a lifeline route by Government as a PSO (Public Service Obligation). Not just passengers but critical goods too. It will help in keeping our flight staff current and the facilities that back up the operation.”
It is thought that Blue Islands is the only airline pursuing the contract.
CAA-approved Blue Islands dates back to 1999, is owned by the Healthspan Group, operates six aircraft and employs 130 staff.
The Isle of Man is also served by a reduced Loganair schedule from both Liverpool and Manchester airports.
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum
John Hepworth, Thaxted
Re NQY/LHR I cannot understand why if Blue Islands can switch from LCY easily it cannot be agreed quickly by the powers that be ?
Mike Johnson, Newquay
It is important that we get an airline in to operate a London service now, and sort out properly when all these problems with Coronavirus have finally departed. London City I do not think would be of great benefit to the Cornish people, Heathrow yes for the Business fraternity whilst of course there are plenty down here would like Gatwick back with all its Holiday services to Europe.
Dom Oconnel, Bridge End - Irish Republic
The City of Derry still has a single air service to Southend. Why not swop that to Heathrow also?