Following almost 12 months of negotiations, the new long-term arrangement is projected to carry more than two million passengers to and from BA’s global hub over the next five years.

Since Jersey reopened to commercial traffic in July 2020, BA has operated to the island from Heathrow, providing onwards connectivity for islanders to the 138 destinations in its network.

According to research produced by Oxford Economics, connectivity to Heathrow will have an "enormous, positive impact" on Jersey’s economy. The enhanced connectivity is projected to deliver growth in GDP of £123 million per annum by 2025, supporting 1,200 jobs.

Matt Thomas, chief executive of Ports of Jersey, said the agreement was a "huge step" in developing Jersey’s strategic connectivity.

"The pandemic has shone a light on the critical importance of air connectivity for islanders and our economy," he added.

"Throughout the pandemic, we worked incredibly closely with our airline partners to secure the resilience of our air links. Increasingly over the last twelve months, however, our efforts have shifted to the key role that connectivity will play in the recovery of our economy."