Falklands : Airbridge Fares Set to Increase
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 27.07.2008 (Article Archived on 10.08.2008)
Proposed new prices for the airbridge would increase fares significantly
FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
Airbridge Fare Increases
Falkland Islands Government (FIG) was advised by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on Thursday 17th July of significant increases in fares for Airbridge prices effective from Monday 21st July for flights taking place on or after 1 August 2008.
A full list of the revised prices are shown in the attached schedule, but the effect on the price of Duty Fares is -
Adult return - Increased by £242 from £1,255 to £1,497
Child return - Increased by £121 from £627.50 to £748.50
Any new bookings received for flights taking place before the 1st of August will be charged at the old rate. Student Fares will continue to be charged at 50% of the Duty Fare (as under the current JPS).
Since the new Airbridge contract has yet to be let, MOD are unable to provide a forward schedule beyond September, but flights requested and not confirmed or invoiced for dates after September 2008 will be charged at the new rate.
FIG has been advised that the price increases are due solely to the rise in the cost of fuel (from 39p per litre in April to the current price of 53p per litre), and are not connected to the new Joint Policy Statement for the Airbridge which is still not finally agreed nor in force.
FIG has asked MOD to give more advance warning of such price increases and to provide greater clarification of the justification for them.
Councillor Mike Summers commented: "These new increases on top of those announced in April increase the duty fare by 28% in just three months. Whilst we fully acknowledge fuel price effects FIG is not satisfied that this level of increase takes proper account of the requirement in the JPS for the airbridge to support the social and economic development of the South Atlantic Islands, and have asked the FCO to take this up with the MoD".
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