In preparation for its new Flybe franchise taking off on 6 June, the first Blue Islands aircraft to sport the distinctive purple Flybe livery has flown into Jersey Airport completing the first stage of the airline’s repainting programme.
Rob Veron explained:
“We’re excited to see the first of our ATRs in its new Flybe livery. This marks a significant moment in our transition to becoming Flybe’s third franchise partner. In total, four of our five ATR aircraft will be re-painted as we adopt the Flybe brand.”
Mr Veron added:
“We firmly believe this franchise partnership with Flybe will secure a robust and sustainable array of services for our islands. In addition to our direct services, ‘through tickets’ with a single booking mean easy connections to over 30 UK and European destinations and significant savings on APD (Air Passenger Duty). As a franchise partner, we will be able to put Guernsey and Jersey on the radar of potential new visitors.”
“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”, the company said in a statement earlier this year.