Scottish airline Loganair is planning to set up a base in Jersey and take over routes previously operated by Blue Islands, which suspended operations on Friday.
Loganair is operating rescue flights on previous Blue Islands routes over the next few days, and aims to set up a permanent base by March. Guernsey airline Aurigny is also operating additional flights over the next few days.
Loganair CEO Luke Farajallah said three sets of crew had flown over to Jersey to cover the routes. He added the airline is holding recruitment events today and tomorrow in the capital, St Helier.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the company said: “Following yesterday’s news that Blue Islands will cease operations with immediate effect, we will be offering new flights to support affected passengers. This includes the essential medical route to Southampton.
“We understand this will be a worrying time for those hoping to travel to and from Jersey. We’ve moved quickly to begin operations starting this Sunday, 16 November.
“This will lead to establishing a new permanent operating base in Jersey.
“To assist affected Blue Islands customers in reaching their destinations with minimal disruption, special rescue fares are available to purchase via the Loganair website.”
It has not yet clear whether Loganair will run flights between Guernsey and Southampton. The route is deemed essential, which means Loganair will need to apply for a licence.
Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development, said in a statement: “We are aware that Loganair has put this route on its website, albeit customers cannot currently book it. We have contacted Loganair to clarify that a licence is needed to operate the route and it does not currently have one”.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued advice for customers on its website. It says: “In response to Blue Islands ceasing trading, Loganair and Aurigny have announced services to support Blue Islands customers.”
Loganair’s special rescue fairs are on routes from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton and Guernsey to Southampton.
Aurigny is operating additional flights on the Guernsey-Southampton route and on the Guernsey-Jersey route until Wednesday.
Channel Islands specialist Premier Holidays has set up a crisis team to assist customers impacted by Blue Islands’ closure.
It said: “Fortunately, due to the time of year, the number of affected customers is relatively small. Premier Holidays will then systematically contact upcoming bookings, starting with those closest to departure, to arrange alternative travel options, on a rolling 14-day basis.
“Both travel agents and customers can have confidence that all packages booked through Premier Holidays remain fully protected, and customers will not face any financial impact as a result of the airline’s failure.”
