The Isles of Scilly are in a state of discontent, and it's all because of Skybus. The airline, which operates a new route to the Channel Islands, has been letting down the islands' tourism and business leaders with its unreliable flight service. This isn't the first time Skybus has faced issues; it's had a turbulent start to the year, with storms damaging aircraft at Land's End Airport. The suspension of flights to Exeter is the latest in a series of problems, including the cancellation of daily Newquay to London flights. But what's really got the Isles of Scilly riled up is the deal with Aurigny, a Guernsey-based airline. Skybus is using one of its planes for flights to Alderney from Guernsey and Southampton, which has led to concerns about the impact on local air services. The island's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and the cancellations and disruptions have had a significant effect. The flower industry and postal services have suffered, and the community feels let down by the Steamship company's priorities. The Council of the Isles of Scilly has raised serious concerns about the current level of performance from Skybus, which undermines the ability to retain and attract new visitors. The deal with Aurigny has also been called into question, with the need for additional revenues from other routes to cover the costs of Scilly flights. The community's frustration is evident in a letter signed by 150 residents, who feel that the Channel Islands are being preferred over the Isles of Scilly. This has led to a sense of betrayal and a call for better service. Despite the issues, Skybus's managing director, Jonathan Hinkles, remains optimistic, promising to resume flights to Exeter on June 4th. However, the airline's struggles have raised questions about its strategy and the resilience of its lifeline link fixed-wing air services to the Isles of Scilly in the future. The Isles of Scilly are a unique and fascinating place, and their connection to the mainland is vital for their survival. The ongoing issues with Skybus have highlighted the importance of reliable and consistent air services, and the community's frustration is understandable. It's a reminder that when it comes to air travel, reliability and consistency are key, and the Isles of Scilly are not alone in their struggle to find a reliable airline.
