Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston has sounded an optimistic note on the future of easyJet services to the Island.
But he admitted that it would always come down to a commercial decision from the budget airline and any potential new owner.
It comes following the news that the easyJet looks set to be bought by US investment firm Castelake after reaching an agreement in principle.
In Tynwald today (Tuesday), Mr Johnston was asked to comment on the implications for the Island should the deal go through
Responding to a question from Tim Glover (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) he said it would not be appropriate to comment directly on the proposed acquisition as it was a commercial deal that had not been finalised and would need regulatory approval if it did go ahead.
But the Manx Government was ‘committed to maintaining and strengthening the Island’s air connectivity’.
He added: ‘The Isle of Man Airport maintains ongoing dialogue with easyJet to ensure a strong and constructive relationship, as is the case with all airline partners, and I am assured that the airport will continue to work closely with them to support existing services and identify opportunities for future growth.’
Government and Isle of Man Airport kept an ongoing watch to identify areas where specific support could be needed to maintain a core route.
He said the recent announcement of a seasonal easyJet service to Geneva ‘demonstrates the confidence that easyJet has in the Island’s market’. He said the demand had been encouraging.
Commercial Decisions
Mr Johnston agreed. ‘We recognise the challenges of connectivity and the importance that we do have a suite of choices when it comes to airlines. It is really important we maintain that strong relationship with easyJet. We also have a strong relationship with other airlines as well.’
He said there were ‘constant’ conversations about maintaining those relationships.
Rob Callister (Onchan) rejected the claim the Island had a range of options.
He asked: ‘With so few small to medium airlines these days, compared with 20, 30 years ago, is the minister truly confident the Isle of Man will have solid links to and from the UK in the future?’
The minister said he had ‘no reason to believe why that should not be the case’.
Mr Johnston added: ‘Ultimately these are commercial decisions. My understanding would be that maybe easyJet would continue to service the Isle of Man because it is in their interest to do so.
‘If it is not in their interest to do so, they will make a commercial decision and they may change their mind.
‘It is up to us to make sure we maintain those relationships with the likes of easyJet. We are also talking to other carriers and other players, which the airport does regularly, and we will support yet.’
But he recognised that connectivity was always a challenge and it was ‘up to the government to ensure that maintain those relationships’.