Clear Harbour Airways (Jersey) is planning to launch seaplane operations in the Channel Islands during the first half of 2018, initially connecting Jersey and Guernsey with a planned expansion to Alderney.

The Guernsey Press reported this week that the seaplane operator is currently evaluating its fleet options and will choose either DHC-3 or DHC-6 float-equipped planes. The airline will cooperate with Harbour Air Seaplanes (YB, Vancouver Coal Harbour) during its launch phase.

According to the report, the airline is the brainchild of Benjamin Hill who spent considerable time working with Canadian seaplane operators before moving to the Channel Islands. Clear Harbour Airways intends to operate directly from the harbours in St. Helier in Jersey and St. Peter Port in Guernsey.

Located in proximity to the French coast of the English Channel and consisting of the self-governing bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey, the Channel Islands are Crown dependencies but are not part of the United Kingdom. According to the ch-aviation capacity module, the two main islands are connected with up to five daily return flights operated by flybe. (2002) and its franchisee Blue Islands (SI, Jersey), while Aurigny Air Services also operates 24x weekly flights between Guernsey and Alderney. The islands are also linked by a regular ferry service.