Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer has described his department’s decision to end its provision of airport baggage handling services as ’regrettable’.

Earlier this month it was announced the Department of Infrastructure, which runs the airport, was to stop providing baggage handling and cargo-loading services.

The 22 staff affected will be offered either redeployment within the department or a redundancy package.

In Tynwald on Tuesday Mr Harmer was asked to outline what consultation had taken place before the decision was made.

He said: ’The recent regrettable change was a decision to withdraw from the market, not some form of privatisation or contracting out.

’There has been more dialogue with the airlines about our baggage handling services over the last 18 months than at any other time during recent years.

’On many occasions during that period our airlines have asked about the possibility of moving the baggage handling service to their own handling agent in order to have a one stop shop for ground services at Ronaldsway.’

Most other airports use private contractors for baggage handling services and loading services.

Airlines were asked for feedback on the baggage handling services by the DoI, as part of regular discussions.

’The decision to end the department’s apron section service was an extremely difficult one that was taken after full and frank discussions with staff, supervisors, union officials and airline customers,’ Mr Harmer said.

’In terms of our passengers, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition of the service, so that it remains business as usual for users of the airport. In terms of our airlines, this is a decision that meets their requests for change.’

He added that the department was, provisionally, aiming to implement the change in services before TT.

The department has estimated the move could save it up to £1 million.