Easyjet threat to sea services
1st March, 2010
Budget airline Easyjet have annouced new services to the Island from Liverpool. This has raised concerns about the impact it will have on other airlines and the Isle of Man Steam Packet.
The airline is providing a service to and from Liverpool 6 times a week with more flights during TT week and will be using an Airbus aircraft with 150 seats.
There is some doubt as to how succesful this will be as the current air operators have difficulty filling smaller aircraft. Many observers take the view that Easyjet will be here today and gone tomorrow if passenger numbers don't stack up.
Mark Woodward, Chief Executive at the Steam Packet says "it will bring tough competition" but he's not convinced it will be for long term. He says "airlines have come to the Island before and left a mess behind them"
There are pros and cons travelling by sea or air and each has it's own advantages. The biggest deterrents to air travel are the lengthy, obtrusive security procedures and the "rip-off" excess baggage charges neither of which are a problem when travelling by sea.
