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 deliver a Welcome Difference, making flying a pleasure again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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