Isle of Man minister defends Manx2 operation

THE Isle of Man’s infrastructure minister has defended the business model operated by Manx2 — one of the companies at the centre of the Cork Airport tragedy.

Phil Gawne was speaking in the House of Keys on Tuesday after questions were raised about the status of Isle of Man-based firm.

Manx2 is a virtual airline which sold tickets for the Belfast to Cork commuter flight that crashed on its third attempt to land in thick fog at Cork Airport on February 10.

Six people, including the two pilots, died. Six people survived.

The flight was operated by Barcelona-based Flightline BCN, which had leased the Fairchild Metroliner aircraft from Seville-based Air Lada.

Mr Gawne told the House of Keys that Manx2 is not officially an airline but a ticket provider which charters European airlines.

He quashed any criticism of the business model and stressed the aviation legislation used to regulate Manx2’s operations match the highest British and European standards. “It would be fair to say that my department has not had any concerns about the operation of Manx2 and as far as I can see, the airline is operating appropriately.”

He declined to comment further while the Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit continues its probe.

However, aviation expert, David Learmount, said he is “deeply troubled” by the business model.

He said the set-up, with the ticket agency based on the Isle of Man, and the air operator based elsewhere, lacks a corporate ethos which, in his view, would foster the best safety culture.

“If you go on to their [Manx2.com] website to buy a ticket, they do make it clear that they are selling the ticket, and they do tell you who the operator is.

“But frankly, not a lot of people read the small print so they think they are actually trading with an airline called Manx2: not so.

“Incidentally, in doing this, Manx are not breaking any laws.”