Appeal for firms to support BA London link guarantee

There's a call for more Island companies to sign-up to a project to ensure air links to London City are maintained.

British Airways confirmed last month it would increase flights on its route to the UK capital from March 30. 

The news brought relief to the Island's business community facing the loss of Flybe's weekday Gatwick flights from the start of the summer season. 

It has since emerged Island-based Microgaming had agreed to underwrite the BA Cityflyer service.

The deal had been fostered by the not-for-profit Manx Business Connection which said other firms were needed to join the project.

The group says Microgaming can't be expected to continue providing the guarantee unless others are prepared to participate in the arrangement and the flights are supported by the public.

MBS has formed a Flight Support Group to encourage others to join. 

It says as well as supporting the Manx economy, businesses offering to assist in underwriting the service will be offered 'tangible' benefits.