TravelWatch Isle of Man proposed (23-Jun-2020) a case for an Isle of Man based airline "in the light of the fairly extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in" and believe "This is something which should be considered at the highest level, with an equally high degree of urgency, for a number of reasons". Details include:
- Generally favourable reaction to the Government's purchase of the IOM Steam Packet Company, with potential for equal support, following the collapse of Flybe, for the Government to have influence on the type and level of air services operating to and from the airline;
- Given suitable circumstance, there will be a strong and early recovery in visiting friend and relatives traffic, with tourism levels to reach previous levels by the time of the TT races in 2021;
- Suitable aircraft are readily available on attractive terms, with experienced pilots, ground staff and engineers who are residents of the island, as well as opportunity for an Island airline to apply for and be granted slots at major London Airports;
- Isle of Man has suffered with off island airlines making cuts to services and changing of timing;
- The announcement of the loss of service to London City Airport exposes fragility and removes opportunities of regular high frequency access to London;
- To obtain the level of air services necessary for social, business, medical and tourism needs, it is almost inevitable Government support will be required by the operating airline;
- TravelWatch Isle of Man believes the Isle of Man cannot continue with current levels of uncertainty and the ongoing loss of air services, leading to more and more isolation in a competitive world. [more - original PR]