Direct air links between Jersey and mainland Europe will be strengthened this summer with today’s announcement by Blue Islands of its intention to operate a service between Jersey and Rennes.
The twice-weekly summer service operating on a Monday and Friday, starts 20 June for a 12-week period. An ATR 72 aircraft, with a capacity of 68-seats, will operate convenient mid-afternoon flights. Tickets, which start from just £39.99 one way and include 23kg baggage allowance, are now on sale via blueislands.com
CEO for Ports of Jersey, Matt Thomas has welcomed the news, commenting, “Building connectivity into Europe is a tremendous opportunity for the Island. We are thrilled that a direct air link to Rennes has been announced today.
“We would like to thank Blue Islands, the team at Rennes Airport and the Chambers for their support. Now we all need to get behind this service to ensure it’s a success and continues beyond the initial 12-week summer schedule.”
Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said, “Today’s announcement will be warmly greeted by the local community, who, for many years, have been asking for a direct air link between Jersey and France to be reinstated.
“It provides great holiday opportunities for islanders, while also allowing business travel to Brittany and further afield. The link also opens up opportunities for inbound travel from our Brittany neighbours as well as other regions, thanks to a direct TGV rail link between Rennes and the French capital, Paris.”
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, added, “The trading links between Jersey and Brittany go back hundreds of years. We have strong cultural, historic and social connections with our geographical neighbour, and this new route is a perfect opportunity to strengthen the existing economic and cultural ties between the Island and the region.”