Blue Islands: what time do you want to fly?

Wednesday 08 March 2017

In an effort to rebuild passenger numbers on inter-island flights, Blue Islands are asking local business travellers when they want to fly, and introducing more seats.

Airport statistics show that the number of passengers travelling between Jersey and Guernsey has fallen significantly since 2008. In that year there were 160,000 passengers on the route, but by last year that had fallen to 120,000, a drop of 25%.

Tom Barrasin, Blue Islands Chief Commercial Officer said: “In the coming months, Blue Islands will launch a consultation process with major industry bodies in both Guernsey and Jersey to seek a consensus view on the preferred timings of the services that Blue Islands offer.

"Following this process Blue Islands will adjust its schedule to reflect the feedback received should this be required to further align with our customers’ requirements.”

He explained: “Demand for travel between Guernsey and Jersey varies hugely throughout the week and is ever changing, as such we continually monitor the market and strive to ensure our schedule is optimised to meet the evolving needs of travellers.

Blue Islands currently operate the key Jersey/Guernsey route under a franchise agreement with Flybe. It's proved to be a controversial arrangement, which sees flights booked using Flybe's system, but flown by Blue Islands' crew (in Flybe uniforms), and on Blue Islands' aircraft (branded as Flybe). The agreement is currently under investigation by the competition regulator. 

Blue Islands have also announced a new, larger aircraft will begin operating the Jersey and Guernsey flights during peak times from the 28 March.

Mr Barrasin said: “Utilising a larger aircraft at peak periods of demand allows Blue Islands to provide more seats than ever before at the times that people have historically chosen to travel.”

Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham said: “The move by Blue Islands to introduce more capacity at peak times on the inter-island route is most welcome. I have been concerned at the decline in inter-island travel and very much hope that the positive steps taken by Blue Islands will ensure that we can completely fulfil the demand for seats at peak times.”