Waves back more 'open skies' approach

New airline Waves has backed a move to a more 'open skies' approach for inter-island flights, ahead of today's States debate.

They say they don't believe there's a need for airlines on non lifeline routes to go through the existing route licensing process, and they welcome 'healthy competition'.

The start-up firm has previously criticised the government's licensing process for air links, but today the States are being asked to exempt airlines from requiring licences on all routes except Guernsey-Gatwick and Guernsey-Alderney.

The proposals have been criticised by both Blue Islands, and Aurigny who said it could open routes up to a level of competition that is 'unsustainable long-term'.

The Guernsey Chamber of Commerce has also supported the 'open skies' proposal saying they believe 'in free markets and as such the move towards open skies is very much welcomed'.

ITV News spoke with travel expert Simon Calder who said he believes an 'open skies' policy could have a positive impact on Guernsey, especially for tourism.