Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, announces that it has today (10th March, 2016) reached agreement with the independent locally owned Channel Islands’ air operator, Blue Islands, for a ten year franchise partnership to commence in June with its ATR aircraft operating in Flybe colours.

Blue Islands will operate six routes under the new franchise Agreement. They are as follows: Southampton to Guernsey and Jersey: Guernsey to Jersey: Bristol to Jersey: London City to Jersey and a winter service from Jersey to Geneva. Tickets for flights operated under the new Agreement will start selling in June via www.flybe.com.

The franchise agreement has been structured to accommodate additional aircraft and routes if required.

Flybe has proven experience as a franchisor, most notably with Loganair and Stobart Air who, between them, have 25 aircraft in total operating franchise flights with Flybe branding.
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.”

Rob Veron, Blue Islands’ Managing Director said: “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 to 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.”