Having provided essential, humanitarian flights from Jersey to Southampton and Gatwick throughout the pandemic Blue Islands airline and Ports of Jersey have today (Monday 6 July) announced a long-term ‘base carrier’ partnership. 

The airline, established in 1999, is part of the Healthspan Leisure Group. 

The agreement has been enabled by the provision of a commercial loan facility of up to £10m from the Government of Jersey. Blue Islands will focus its operations in Jersey, taking on many of the former Flybe routes, safeguarding vital regional connectivity into the UK.

Following the collapse of Flybe in March, Blue Islands swiftly identified the opportunity to serve the profitable routes that had been operated by Flybe. The loan facility together with the airport agreement enables Jersey’s largest base operator to re-emerge from the pandemic as a long-term, sustainable, strategic partner for the Island.

Rob Veron, Managing Director Blue Islands, said: “This unique combination provides a strong platform to provide vital connectivity for Islanders and will play a key role in the recovery of the Island’s economy.

Mr Veron continued: “Our focus is now to deliver sustainable, high-frequency, year-round regional services for many years to come. We recognise the important strategic role we need to play, as the Island’s locally based regional airline, in Jersey’s recovery plans.”

www.blueislands.com