The Newark flights are indeed a code-share with Continental. Passengers travelling from Belfast City, Jersey and Guernsey have the ability to connect on to Continental flights through Flybe. with the same ticket. I think this is also the same with Delta and Air France.

I know what you mean, I have been on the aircraft a few times this year and I am booked for October as well with Flybe. I would love a -Q400 but it is unlikely because Gatwick flights are with the 146. Though if the price is right then I don’t really mind which aircraft I travel.

As Ren Frew said though, savour it while you can because I imagine they will be leaving in the next couple of years for shiny new Boeing, Airbus or Embraer aircraft.

Yeah, Southampton is a convenient little airport. The terminal I have found to be intimate and suitable for the airlines it serves.

Is the -Q400 or BAe 146 used to Prague?

JAL/JAS have a long history with Boeing aircraft. As they currently operate the 767 it would make sense to buy the same type, which have proved successful and versatile in the airlines’ fleets.

Very true, Aurigny has exploited its monopoly for far too long especially with its dominance on inter island flights. They have been able to impose higher fares while frequency and flexibility has decreased, which has been of no advantage to the consumer. Therefore, with Jersey authorities advocating “Open Skies” and Guernsey apparently remaining impartial in the airline’s affairs, it was only a matter of time before Aurigny’s stronghold on inter island flights was quashed and competition allowed to flourish on the route.

RockHopper chairman Noel Hayes has campaigned extremely hard for unequivocal commitment to fair competition on routes and finally he has received it. The airline will be able to operate where Aurigny has withdrawn in terms of frequency and also ensure lower prices, which should help increase passenger numbers. With 31% of all flights full a day before departure and percentage increases in passenger numbers on inter island flights, hopefully RockHopper will be able to compete fairly and successfully on the route.

Interestingly enough, the licensing system used by Jersey and Guernsey was designed to guarantee Aurigny’s vital inter island service. When in the context of developing “Open Skies”, a number of airlines in Europe and the UK indicated that they might pursue operations on the Jersey to Guernsey portion of their operations. No doubt this was of concern to local authorities as it could damage Aurigny’s consistent frequency, service and financial viability. With this the authorities decided to require airlines to apply for licenses to the respective islands, therefore this would ensure competition was kept to a minimum. Now that Aurigny have competition on inter island it would leave a question on whether “Open Skies” could be established in the islands and furthermore whether Flybe. could also compete in the market, which they are currently limited to only selling tickets 30 minutes before departure on flights going via an island to the UK.

Definitely interesting times for both airlines and islands concerned. Obviously the “air wars” will continue with RockHopper and Aurigny continuing with their war of words.