Blue Islands signs franchise agreement with Flybe

Blue Islands announces that it has today (10 March 2016) reached agreement with Europe’s largest regional airline, flybe, for a franchise partnership which will see it take to the skies in flybe branded aircraft with effect from June 2016.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands' Managing Director said:

This exciting agreement marks the next chapter of Blue Islands' history, in what is our 10th year. Guernsey and Jersey will enjoy increased exposure to potential new visitors thanks to Flybe's huge marketing reach and wider distribution channels, bringing a boost to both visitor and business economies. What's more, passengers will benefit from seamless connections with 'through tickets' from the Channel Islands for services to 30 UK and European airports in the Flybe network including Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Amsterdam as well as summer destinations such as Faro and Malaga. Through tickets also mean significant APD savings when using connecting services.

As well as flights in Flybe branded aircraft and Flybe flight numbers, adopting the Flybe brand enables the lowest possible fare options, complete with ticket customisation. This allows our customers to choose from a basic, to an all-inclusive fare, to better meet individual requirements.

Saad Hammad, Flybe CEO said:

We are delighted to welcome Blue Islands into the Flybe family and look forward to our new operations with them starting in the summer. This new partnership strengthens the proud and long-standing relationship Flybe has with the Channel Islands by providing local residents, and those wishing to visit, a broader range of flights and airport connections.

This third franchise agreement extends our ability to deliver unrivalled regional connectivity and time saving business travel for our customers and we look forward to welcoming everyone on board in June.

Mr Veron added:

Blue Islands will still remain an independent locally owned air operator, totally committed to the Channel Islands, flying our own ATR aircraft under the Blue Islands AOC (Air Operators Certificate), without the need for any Government support. Additionally we continue to employ our own crew, undertake our own maintenance and manage our own handling arrangements. The big business advantage comes from our joint ability to create market growth to secure future viability, whilst also enjoying synergy benefits such as IT systems, web resources, marketing capability and engineering support off-island.

Between now and the start of the franchise going 'live' in June, customers can continue to book with confidence on the existing Blue Islands website, blueislands.com. All bookings for future travel will be automatically transferred into the new booking systems for launch.