Trilateral Topics

With the next ministerial level round of the Trilateral Forum of Dialogue - involving the 3 governments of Spain, the UK and Gibraltar - due to meet in Gibraltar on Tuesday, lets review the 6 topics currently with the forum for agreement.

The six topics were confirmed at the last ministerial meeting in London (2nd July 2008) confirming the initial list released following a technical party meeting earlier in the year in Gibraltar.

1. Co-operation on the environment

2. Maritime communications

3. Judicial, customs and police co-operation

4. Financial Services and Taxation

5. Visa related Issues

6. Education

In the pervious forum agreements, Spanish acceptance of Gibraltar's ITU assigned international-direct dial country code (+350) and the lifting of air restrictions was essentially bought with payment of undue up-rated pensions to Spanish former cross border workers who were with drawn by General Franco.

However, it is less clear on these topics where the payment could be made to Spain. Especially since, areas 3 & 4, despite being what Spain will portray as 'breakthroughs' for her, is exactly what Gibraltar has been seeking from Spain for years.

Are we going to see the first fair unquestionable win-win agreement? And will the financial services cooperation be portrayed incorrectly in the Spanish press as being a change from Gibraltar? (despite it being what we've been seeking and offering for years!)

Andalus Airlines - Gibraltar to Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao

Andalus Airlines have updated their website to include Gibraltar's North Front Airport.

When selected it offers routings:

• Gibraltar > Madrid Barajas
• Gibraltar > Barcelona
  
• Gibraltar > Bilbao Loiu

While no flights appear to have been loaded into the system yet and so are not able to be booked, the currency options now include Sterling (Libra Esterlina) alongside Euros and Moroccan Dirhams.

Gibraltar has been without a link to Madrid following Iberias decision to cancel its once daily (and finally only twice weekly) using an Airbus A319 citing load factors.

Widespread belief is that their is a far greater business market for a twice daily service than once daily, and that even once daily would be viable using a smaller aircraft.

Andalus is a newly established operator based in Malaga airport offering flights to varius airports in Spain, Moroco (and now Gibraltar) airports using an Embraer ERJ145 regional jet which can be configured for around 50 seats.

Monarch restores Manchester - Gibraltar flights, BA flight times change.

Monarch Airlines have reintroduced their service between Manchester Airport and Gibraltar.

Despite reports of very good loads, the route was suspended 2 years ago by Monarch in protest over the higher than typical landing charges at Gibraltar Airport. Landing charges were at the time set by the MOD who operate the airport as RAF Gibraltar.

The reintroduction of Manchester flights follows a deal struct between the Government of Gibraltar and the MoD whereby the Government would contribute to the costs of the airport but would be able to reduce charges.

Flight times:

Depart MAN 0715, Arrive GIB 1115
Depart GIB 1200, Arrive MAN 1400

It will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12th September.

[Monday services operate 20 minutes earlier at 0655 and 1140.]

Interestingly it is currently planned to be operated as a simple out-and-back service, previously it operated as a W pattern from Manchester to Gibraltar and back with Luton Airport in the middle.

British Airways schedule change for winter:

Due to BAs currently highly stretched fleet as they try to cover a GB Airways sized hole in their operation (following easyJet's purchase of the local owned franchise operator) British Airways has been limited to just one daily service from London, departing in the morning.

From Sunday the 26th October, it will switch to the afternoon:

Depart LGW 1330, Arrive GIB 1720
Depart GIB 1800, Arrive LGW 1950

Reflecting heavy fleet commitment it had earlier looked like the morning service might have to go red-eye for winter with a circa ~6am departure.

However the fears were not justified as BA have manged to rearrange their schedule to support the lucrative premium traffic on the route