Blue Islands 10 years

It may not be the best known British airline, except if you live in the Channel Islands, but Blue Islands based in Jersey has celebrated 10 years of operations. 

The regional carrier started life carrying perishable goods from Bournemouth to Alderney, becoming Le Cocq's Airlink in 2001, then Rockhopper and since 2006 Blue Islands.  It is 100% owned by Healthspan Group, probably the UK’s largest leading direct supplier of vitamins, minerals and health supplements.
 
Blue Islands currently operate four ATR 42s and a single ATR 73.  It flies from Jersey to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bristol, Dublin, Geneva, London City, Paris Orly, Rotterdam and Southampton.  Guernsey – Jersey is a shuttle that connects with flights.

Rob Veron, managing director of Blue Islands, said: “Since Blue Islands started flying in 2006 we have flown over two million passengers.  In 2006, we carried 63,500 passengers and this year we forecast to fly a total of 380,000 – that’s a staggering increase of 500%!  Of course we’ve invested in a larger fleet, our routes and employees, enabling a 300% capacity increase; from 132,000 seats in 2006 to 520,000 this year.”

Having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Flybe, Blue Islands is currently exploring becoming its third franchise partner.  www.blueislands.com

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