Benjamin Hill, founder of Clear Harbour Airways, is in the process of launching a seaplane service between St Helier and St Peter Port and hopes to offer the first flights next spring.
Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham has thrown his support behind the move, saying a seaplane would provide a much-needed boost to inter-island travel.
He added that the full logistics of flying between the two harbours still needed to be worked out but early indications suggested it was ‘feasible’.
Mr Hill revealed he is working with Canadian firm Harbour Air Seaplanes, which claims to be the largest seaplane service in the world, and hopes to buy his first plane next month.
Senator Farnham said: ‘The more opportunities for Islanders to travel between Jersey and Guernsey the better. I have had a few meetings with Mr Hill and it is an exciting idea. The relevant authorities are now working with him to make sure it is feasible. From what I understand, it would be.
‘If it is logistically achievable then the Economic Development Department will give it our full support.’
The service would carry 14 passengers per trip and would be run from Albert Pier Terminal.
Senator Farnham said: ‘It would provide more opportunities for businesses to get people between the islands, opportunities for sports teams and also allow a lot more visitors to travel between the islands.
‘I’m not sure what the operating limits are but it might be an interesting way to get to Guernsey if, for example, there is fog at the Airport.
‘We desperately need more opportunities for Islanders to get cheaply and easily between the islands. It is not everywhere in the world that lends itself to operating this kind of service and it would be good for Jersey to be able to offer something different.’
The first aircraft ever to land in Jersey was the Sanchez Besa seaplane piloted by Jean Benoit in 1912. It touched down in West Park during an air race between St Malo and Jersey.
Seaplanes were used regularly to provide services from Jersey to the French coast and the UK in the
early part of the 20th century, until the Airport opened in 1937.
