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About us

With our heart in the Channel Islands, Blue Islands was launched in 2006 (our origins go back to 1999). We have come a long way since then and proudly remain an independently owned and operated regional airline, with a focus on serving our communities and simplifying regional flying.

In March 2020, the Blue Islands brand evolved, with an expanded route network, new website and app,  and product types that centre around our core values.  We’re all incredibly proud to make flying a pleasure again. 

Le Cocqs Air Link 1999

1999

Le Cocq's Air link

Blue Islands’ origins start in 1999 when it was formed initially as Le Cocq’s Air Link to supply perishable goods to the Channel Island of Alderney from Bournemouth using Britten Norman Islanders. 

2002

First passengers

First passenger services began with scheduled flights between Alderney and Bournemouth using our first Britten Norman Islander with 10,000 passengers carried in the first year. 

Le Cocqs Air Link passenger service
Rockhopper

2003

Rockhopper

The trading name of Rockhopper was adopted, and carried 20,000 passengers in that year, prior to Healthspan Leisure taking ownership in 2004 with Derek Coates as Chairman.

2006

Blue Islands

The airline rebranded as Blue Islands which coincided with the delivery of the first British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft and established itself as a regional carrier, flying 63,500 passengers in 2006.

Blue Islands 2006
First Blue Islands ATR

2009

First ATR

The first ATR aircraft was launched into the Blue Islands fleet, delivering new customer experience and increase in capacity.

2011

New Management

New management team introduced with Rob Veron appointed CEO, which marked the start of our strategic growth plan including the vision for an all-ATR aircraft fleet. 

Rob Veron
Blue Islands First ATR 72

2013

First ATR 72

New Guernsey – Southampton service launched with the introduction of the fleet’s first ATR 72 aircraft offering high-frequency year-round service on a 68-seat aircraft.

2014

All ATR Fleet

Strategic plan of migrating to an all-ATR aircraft fleet realised, with a total of five aircraft serving our route network bringing many efficiencies and synergies to the business together with a harmonised passenger experience.

Blue Islands Passenger Experience
Blue Islands Flybe franchise

2016

Flybe Franchise

Blue Islands became a Flybe franchise partner, adopting the Flybe brand and utilising its sales channels, but remaining an independent airline with our own aircraft and crew.

2019

New Services

Introduced new services including East Midlands and Newquay, together with establishing our own Ground Handling function at Guernsey Airport and served 415,000 passengers, our busiest ever year.

Blue Islands New Services
Blue Islands ATR 72

MAR 2020

Flybe closes

Flybe closed and our booking systems were quickly restored with Blue Islands flights available once again through the website.  

Towards the end of March, the unprecedented Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis meant flights were reduced to an essential service only operated on behalf of the Government of Jersey. 

JUL 2020

Refreshed Brand

Following the closure of Flybe and the Coronaviris crisis, Blue Islands reemerges with a refreshed brand, plus new website and booking system to serve our customers and communities once again.

Blue Islands Brand Refresh 2020

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