MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falkland Islands: Airbridge new contract announced
Four round flights per fortnigh but more expensive fares FALKLAND Islanders are to have 'higher frequency' of flights to the UK via the British Forces airbridge under the conditions of the Joint Position Statement (JPS) signed between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in respect of civilian use of the facility.
This service will provide a higher frequency of flights than the previous arrangement, which offered three flights per fortnight, as well as an enhanced aeromedical and freight capability. Falklands councillors are pleased with the new ruling but are still awaiting pricing confirmed Councillor Mike Summers to Mercopresstoday. Councillor Summers said, "We can't reach full and final agreement (On the JPS) until we have clarity on prices however we are pleased to hear that we have been allocated more seats than we are currently receiving. "Our requirement for Business Class passengers has also been met." The aircraft is chartered to carry 184 passengers on each flight. Although designed to carry more passengers, the extra payload will be used solely for freight and the extra fuel required for a journey of this length. Twenty-nine seats will be reserved on each service for the use of the Falkland Island Government. Twenty six seats will be reserved for the use of the Ascension Island Government. These allocations reflect the statements of requirement as each Overseas Territory set out for a fortnightly period, adjusted by the change in service from three to four times every two weeks. The contract has been awarded to Chapman Freeborn and the service will be operated by Scottish company Flyglobespan using a B767 aircraft four times per fortnight with effect from Wednesday October 1, 2008. The airbridge is run under a two-year contract with two one-year options, expected to run until 2012. The airbridge will leave Brize Norton southbound on Wednesdays and Sundays, and it will leave Mount Pleasant northbound on Fridays and Tuesdays. The forces airbridge is the Islanders only alternative to flying with Lan via South America however it is becoming increasingly expensive. They must pay USD 2561.94 for a return flight, while tourists pay USD 4132.48 or if they book less than 28 days in advance, it will cost them USD6666.02. By Lisa Johnston – SaAled PR - Stanley
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