Treasury minister 'not that keen' on airline investment

Sector 'much better run by private industry' - Cannan

The Treasury Minister has warned against "rushing in" and either buying, or investing in, an airline on the Isle of Man.

Alf Cannan was asked about the prospect, after a former boss of Manx Airlines said now is the time to reconsider doing so, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Terry Liddiard was previously against the idea, but says after coronavirus, commercial airlines might struggle to "operate the sort of frequencies that we would need."

Mr Cannan is hesitant:

You can listen to that full exchange below, with Manx Radio's Andy Wint:

Chief Minister Howard Quayle has suggested the Isle of Man could "look at underwriting an airline company's flights."

Rob Callister MHK, the politician with responsibility for ports in the Department of Infrastructure, thinks the Island "should look at investing in an airline... in order to secure those routes that we need."