Manx2.com is launching a major drive to expand its business outside of the Isle of Man.

Over the next two years, the Isle of Man based company will be launching a number of new routes outside of the Island, taking its award-winning service to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with new routes which will be announced in due course. 

Manx2.com Chairman Noel Hayes said, "Our business model has been very successful here in the Isle of Man. 

"We now have the opportunity to take the Manx brand into new markets and earn profits that will flow back into the Island’s Treasury.

"We are the only scheduled services provider that pays tax on its profits here in the Island.  All the other carriers pay tax on their profits from

Isle of Man operations to Gordon Brown in the UK or to other overseas governments.

"We’re keen to bring profits back home to help fill the VAT hole, while at the same time strongly promoting the Manx brand."

The expansion plans come following repeated calls from Manx2.com for the Isle of Man Government to develop a long term aviation strategy for the Island.

The company made the request in the face of six airlines ceasing operations from Ronaldsway Airport in the last three years.

Mr Hayes continued, "The recently announced additions to capacity in the North West market are unsustainable and are likely to lead to further instability here in the Island.

"As long as the Isle of Man sticks blindly to an open skies policy its air route strategy will continue to be set by FlyBe in Exeter, Aer Arran in Dublin and Stelios from his boat in the Greek Islands.

"I’m just a man from Kirk Michael but Manx2.com do have a long term strategy for growth and we need to ensure that our business remains profitable and successful.  For the foreseeable future, we’ll now be looking to take the Manx message into new markets."