easyJet’s purchase of GB draw mixed reactions

Author: b2b

The low-cost carrier said it was committed to maintaining GB Airways’ schedule to Gatwick, at least until after the 2008 summer season.

“We will carry on flying to Gibraltar with exactly the same programme as GB Airways after March,” said Andy Harrison, easyJet’s Chief Executive, in comments to the press at the time.

By the end of the summer the airline will have a better idea of the route’s performance and how it will fit into the broader easyJet network.

It is possible, for example, that easyJet will step in to fill the gap left by Iberia and GB Airways on routes to Madrid, where the low-cost carrier is expanding its operations base.

Even as the announcement was made, the airline was already talking of “joining the dots” in its network and developing new routes “predominantly [in the] southern Med and north Africa”.

For its part, British Airways announced last month that it will start a daily flight between Gibraltar and Gatwick as from March 30th. The service will likely be operated with a Boeing 737 300, with up to 30 Club Class seats and room for 89 Economy passengers.

Alongside Monarch’s services to Luton, the GB Airways’ acquisition could - in theory at least – result in three carriers serving Gibraltar as from April next year. Time will tell.

One thing that is clear however, is that any reduction to Gibraltar’s prohibitive airport costs will go a long way to encouraging such links. Landing fees at Gibraltar airport are far higher than at other airfields in the area.
In the immediate wake of the announcement by easyJet and GB Airways, the Gibraltar Government recognised this and signalled its intention to slice fees at the airport.

“The Government expects to announce a new reduced airport charges tariff structure before the end of the year,” it said in a statement at the time.

The Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce welcomed the prospect of increased flights to Gibraltar and said such air links were “fundamental” to the continued growth of the finance sector, shipping and other key areas of economic activity.

“As Gibraltar’s economy continues to grow and become even more international, it is critical that our air links and associated infrastructure develop in tandem,” said Nicholas Russo, the Chamber’s president.

“We welcome all responsible operators providing services to and from Gibraltar and believe that these announcements highlight the increased level of confidence being shown in Gibraltar’s future economic development.”

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