Carey Olsen advises on Blue Islands £10m loan

Wednesday 08 July 2020

Carey Olsen has acted as lead counsel to the Government of Jersey on its loan of up to £10 million to support airline Blue Islands, and lead counsel to Ports of Jersey on a based carrier agreement with the airline.

The deal, which has been agreed in order to enable the airline to maintain air links with regional UK airports and a number of European destinations, will also see Blue Islands move its operating base to Jersey.

In a statement announcing the decision, the Government of Jersey highlighted that, with the aviation sector struggling globally, governments have been called upon for last resort financial support - including BA and EasyJet, who received loans of £600m and £300m respectively.

It added that the move was in line with the government's priorities to protect the island's economy, while also supporting islanders' health and wellbeing.

Pictured: Carey Olsen's Partner Robin Smith.

Robin Smith, banking and finance Partner, led the Carey Olsen team that advised the Government while Guernsey Partner Tony Lane led on the Alderney legal aspects involved, due to Blue Islands' status as an Alderney-registered company.

Meanwhile, Jersey corporate Partner, James Willmott, led the team advising Ports of Jersey on the based carrier agreement. They were supported by property Partner Chris Philpott, Senior Associates Arya Hashemi and Laura Healy, Associate Holly Brown and Paralegal Rebecca Lever.

"We were extremely pleased to be able to put together a cross-practice and pan-island team to assist the Government and Ports of Jersey on these vital arrangements," Mr Smith said.

"Jersey has always been proud of its connectivity and it is commendable that we as an Island have taken these steps to secure our links which many islanders rely on."

Asked by Express, the Government of Jersey declined to reveal the exact terms of the loan, other than confirming that it will be repaid over six years.