Jersey's Economic Development Minister 'optimistic' about Flybe sale

Jersey's Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, says he is "optimistic" that Flybe's new ownership will present opportunities for incoming routes to the island.

It follows the news that a consortium led by Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group hasagreed an offer to take control of the airline.

Flybe put itself up for sale in November 2018 following a profit warning due to falling demand.

The Virgin-Stobart offer has valued the airline at £2.2 million.

Senator Lyndon Farnham says it carries around 21% of passengers travelling in and out of Jersey.

He says it's too early to say whether the sale means a reintroduction of the Jersey-Heathrow route could be on the cards, adding that it would be a "more realistic option some years into the future".

Ports of Jersey has called the sale of Flybe "positive news" but says it is yet to have any formal discussion with the airlines and businesses involved.

In the meantime it says it will continue to support Flybe and the Ports of Jersey route development team will be "happy to have discussions" with any new owners.

It is understood that Flybe is operating as normal while sale negotiations take place.