Jersey’s government will loan Blue Islands up to £10m. to safeguard connectivity to the UK.
The airline, which has provided the island with lifeline routes during the pandemic, will now focus its operations in Jersey as it takes on many former Flybe routes.
It is hoped the commercial loan facility, together with a long-term ‘base carrier’ agreement with Ports of Jersey, will help Blue Islands re-emerge from the crisis as a long-term, sustainable, strategic partner for Jersey.
‘Air connectivity is critical for the way we live our lives as Islanders. It is crucial for our tourism and business communities, but as importantly, for us to visit loved ones, access essential medical care and for our children’s education,’ said Matt Thomas, CEO of Ports of Jersey.
‘This partnership will see Blue Islands concentrate its operations in Jersey. At first, they will focus on key regional routes into the UK, complementing the services provided by British Airways and easyJet. In time, we share an ambition to develop connectivity into Europe. We look forward to working together to achieve this ambition.’
Rob Veron, CEO of Blue Islands said the agreement would allow the airline to play a key role in the recovery of the Jersey’s economy.
‘Our focus is now to deliver sustainable, high-frequency, year-round regional services for many years to come. We recognise the important strategic role we need to play, as the Island’s locally based regional airline, in Jersey’s recovery plans.’
Senator Lyndon Farnham, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Economic Development, Tourism Sport and Culture agreed that the Jersey’s future success depended on its connectivity: I am very pleased that Government of Jersey, Blue Islands and Ports of Jersey have worked together in partnership to safeguard regional connectivity into the UK.’
As well as scheduled services, Blue Islands operates extensive charter programmes for European tour operators, bringing visitors to the islands from across Europe including Zurich, Rotterdam, Groningen and 20 regional airports throughout Germany. This activity makes up a large proportion of Jersey’s visitor economy.
