News

Civilians and military personnel have been assured by the Ministry of Defence that they will face no disruption to Airbridge flights despite the collapse of FlyGlobespan, the airline company that was contracted to operate the flights.  Air Italy has taken on the contract for the short term and will operate the two flights a week between the UK and the Falkland Islands for the next few weeks.  Air Italy will run the flights under the same terms and conditions as FlyGlobespan and negotiations are under way to determine a long term solution.

Legislative Assembly Member, the Hon. Dick Sawle, attended the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, a key event in the British Government/Overseas Territories calendar, which took place on 9 December in London.  Mr Sawle completed a number of meetings in the UK, including briefing Foreign Office Minister, Chris Bryant MP, on Falklands issues.  Other discussions covered a range of topics including the UK/Overseas Territories relationship; economic issues in the light of the global crisis; the environment; and immigration issues affecting the Territories.

Air Commodore Gordon Moulds CBE has completed his term as Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands (CBFSAI).  Air Cdre Moulds’ successor, Commodore Philip Thicknesse RN, arrived in the Falklands on 14 December.  He joined the Royal Navy in 1978 and served on board HMS Fearless during the Falklands War.  Promoted to Captain in 2003, he has spent the past year as Director of the Maritime Warfare Centre.

The anniversary of the Battle of the Falklands was commemorated on 8 December. The Collingwood Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines led the parade from Christ Church Cathedral to the Battle Monument.  The occasion commemorates the destruction of the German East Asiatic Squadron, commanded by Vice Admiral Maximillian Von Spee, in 1914.  Following the remembrance service, the parade – consisting of detachments from the Falkland Islands Defence Force, the Royal Navy and led by the Royal Marines – marched to the Battle Monument where wreaths were laid.

If you have a keen eye and a passion for the Falklands then it’s time to get snapping for the Falkland Islands Tourist Board’s online photography competition, Falklands Exposed.  The competition has three entry groups: amateur, youth and professional.  For more information and entry details, check out the website www.falklandislands.com/exposed.

The Falkland Islands Charles Darwin stamp issue has achieved ninth position, out of thousands of releases, during 2009 according to the latest edition of the international publication Stamp and Coin Mart. The publication lists, for the first time, the 50 most popular stamps of the year, voted by readers and stamp experts.  For more information visit www.falklandstamps.com.

Regarding the news that  Flyglobespan – the Edinburgh based airline company who provide the aircraft for the Airbridge to Ascension and the Falkland Islands – are going into liquidation, the  Falkland Islands Government has been informed by the Ministry of Defence that Flyglobespan is a sub-contractor to the MoD’s main contractor that operates Airbridge. The main contractor is committed to operating the Airbridge and will be making suitable alternative arrangements, as necessary.  It is presently reported that there is no disruption to the service.

In the event that difficulties do arise, the MoD’s main contractor will enact contingency plans to find other suitable aircraft. FIG is being kept up to date with news and if there is any change to the current schedule, passengers will be informed.