Under-threat freight handler makes bid to rescue Jersey's mail plane

Tuesday 30 May 2023

The Managing Director of Jersey's key air freight handling business is rallying against plans to scrap the mail plane, warning that the island's commercial landscape "stands on the brink of disaster".

OceanAir Handling has been responsible for managing the island's air cargo for nearly 35 years and handles all cargo transported via commercial or charter aircraft.

But Christopher Bee, who has been Managing Director since 2001, warns that moving from a mail plane to ferry could lead to the business's closure.

He has today launched a petition in favour of keeping the mail plane service, which has so far gathered around 200 signatures. He is also calling on the Government to scrutinise the proposed change by Royal Mail more closely.

Jersey's Mail plane currently delivers between five and seven tonnes of mail per day to the island. However, Royal Mail is proposing moving to a ferry service instead, as they argue this would be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Pictured: Royal Mail are considering terminating Jersey's daily mail plane service. 

The proposed change would likely result in an extra working day added on to delivery times, and even longer in the event of adverse weather conditions. 

While Royal Mail is bound by Ofcom regulations to offer a next-day delivery service, Royal Mail has proposed to change Jersey's 'Due Date' definition to allow for an extra working day for packages to arrive in the Channel Islands.

However, Mr Bee warned that, should the mail plane be terminated, OceanAir's operations would be left "economically unviable", leaving the island without any air freight handling.

As a result, he said, "there will be no way of anything getting off of this island in less than two days." 

The effects of this for Jersey would be far-reaching, he argued.

"Our infrastructure is incredibly delicate. Many aren't aware of the silent services we deliver, from managing mail and courier flights, to transporting medical equipment and blood transfusions. We relocate your pets globally and even handle the repatriation of human remains," Mr Bee explained.

Pictured: "There will be no way of anything getting off of this island in less than two days." 

He added: "Our business landscape, heavily reliant on punctual, efficient logistics, stands on the brink of disaster. Slow and inconsistent deliveries will undoubtedly undermine businesses, hinder growth and jeopardise our already fragile economy.

"Our air freight infrastructure is not simply about transport—it underpins the heartbeat of Jersey's commerce."

Mr Bee also wants the island's competition regulator to "act decisively and swiftly, imposing the same licensing regulations on Jersey Post that OFCOM enforces on The Royal Mail."

"This action is necessary to ensure Jersey's citizens continue to receive next-day mail services. If Jersey Post fails to meet its obligations to adequately service Jersey's residents and businesses, then perhaps the JCRA should reconsider and re-advertise their Class 2 license," he said.

The Jersey Competition and Regulatory Authority has not commented on the proposed change, other than to say it is monitoring the consultation, which ends this week.

Last week, Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel said that he would be writing to Royal Mail to convey the concerns of local businesses as part of the consultation process. 

He said: "I am satisfied that Jersey Post understands the likely impacts of these decisions on the local economy and that the company is now actively working with the sector to minimise any disruption to its customers.”

The consultation will be open until 2 June. Any changes will take effect on 3 August. You can view the consultation document HERE.

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