Minister of Infrastructure David Cretney MHK expressed his disappointment over today’s news regarding Aer Arann are pulling off the London City route.
Aer Arann have today announced that they will not be continuing to operate the Isle of Man – London City Service from 11 April 2012. The London City service was under review following Aer Arann’s change in strategy to operate all their flights that connect to/from Ireland under a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus Regional. The London City route is the only route with no connection to Ireland and in operating that route, Aer Arann are having to keep additional infrastructure going (for example, a call centre) which therefore adds additional cost.
Minister Cretney said:
'Today’s announcement from Aer Arann, which comes after a review of its full network, that it will cease flying between the Isle of Man and London City is disappointing news. It is a route which provides the Isle of Man with a convenient link into the heart of London and to a variety of European cities'.
He went on:
'We believe that the Aer Arann staff will be redeployed elsewhere in the Aer Lingus network, and I would like to take the opportunity to offer my thanks to the Island based pilots and cabin staff, who have provided excellent customer service to the passengers since the service started in January 2009'.
In terms of the future, Minister Cretney said:
'The Department is working hard with its airline partners to find an alternative carrier for this important route. As soon as there is any news on a successor for the route, we will announce it'
For further information: Ann Reynolds Tel: +44 1624 821601
