Helicopter service discussions to continue.

http://www.cornishman.co.uk/AgustaWestland-meeting-bring-Penzance-Scilly/story-22782881-detail/story.html
From The Cornishman online 19 Aug 2014

A meeting is due to take place in Penzance next week to discuss the potential reinstatement of a helicopter service to the Isles of Scilly.

Graham Cole, chairman of the helicopter builders AgustaWestland, will meet other “commercial stakeholders” in a private meeting, said Andrew George.

The west Cornwall MP said he had been asked to facilitate the meeting as he continues to investigate the potential for a new helicopter link.

The meeting follows the completion of a report by consultants Price Waterhouse Coopers, sponsored by Augusta Westland, into the feasibility of resurrecting the service.

Follow the link here for the full item.
Previous news item (18 Aug) with comments here.


Comment.

Whilst a replacement helicopter service operating all year around would be a huge relief for islanders, the economics of such a service appear to be an impossible barrier without a Public Service Obligation (PSO) – a Government subsidy. With an established air service operator in place it is difficult to see how a PSO could not be discriminatory and subject to a legal challenge.