The announcement that BMI is to launch two flights a day between Heathrow
and Jersey has prompted a competitive response from rivals Flybe, in particular as regards the Government subsidy whch has apparently made it possible.

Flybe, which is currently carrying out a takeover of BA Connect, says "it always welcomes competition along its routes but is surprised to hear that the Jersey Government is offering BMI a subsidy to launch the hew route.

Their Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Rutter says " BMI's new state-subsidised service to London doesn't measure up when compared to our Gatwick service" They say that after finding your way out of the " maze" that is Heathrow, their service was streets ahead.

They also say the decision to offer cash support to an airline with a record for dropping non-profitable routes shows a questionable use of tax-payers money.

The island has been without direct links to Heathrow since 2001 and BMI says it expects considerable demand for both point-to-point and onward connecting passengers.