Manx2.com has called for Government to develop a long term aviation strategy for the Island.

The company, which is based in the Isle of Man, has made the request following the announcement that UK airline easyJet will be servicing the Isle of Man.

Chairman Noel Hayes said: “Manx2.com always welcomes fair competition and I’m sure the arrival of easyJet will bring short term benefits to the Isle of Man. However, I believe this highlights the need for Government to put in place a long term aviation strategy for our Island rather than the current ‘free for all’ open skies strategy which results in continuous instability and frequent changes in operators.

“In the last three years alone, five airlines have stopped operations into the Island. Stability of operations would encourage long term investment in route development and pay dividends. Currently, an airline comes to the Island, there is generally a price war and then one is pushed out, bringing us back to where we started or worse. easyJet’s arrival will certainly make FlyBe re-examine their prices but these scraps only last for a limited period.

“easyJet will only be indirectly competing with Manx2.com, but as a locally owned and locally based key provider of Isle of Man air links, I believe the stability of a planned aviation strategy is essential for a community which depends upon maintenance of essential transport links.”

Manx2.com employs 60 staff and has a fleet of seven aircraft providing up to 30 flights a day to the Isle of Man. Its customer services, reservations and operations departments are all based in the new hangar facility at Ronaldsway Airport.

To book Liverpool airport parking and Liverpool airport hotels click on the links.