The addition of the new ATR-72-500 aircraft brings with it a significantly enhanced service for passengers travelling between Guernsey and Southampton. 

Passengers and media guests from Guernsey on the inaugural flight enjoyed the new upgraded service and in keeping with aviation tradition, the ATR 72 was greeted by a water cannon salute at Southampton Airport.

The new aircraft replaces the Jetstream aircraft on this route, giving the opportunity to expand the Blue Islands 'welcome difference' in flight service.  Rob Veron explains the many benefits for passengers.

In true Blue Islands fashion, the price quoted is always the price paid, but in addition a very special in flight service will be available on our Southampton service. Hot bacon sandwiches for breakfast and full Champagne bar service for the return flights - complimentary for all passengers, of course. All Blue Islands passengers will also benefit from fast-track security at Southampton Airport.

On arrival Blue Islands' guests were joined by Southampton media, the Mayor of Southampton, Ivan White and the Mayor of Eastleigh Malcolm Cross, plus David Lees Managing Director of Southampton Airport plus for a press conference and reception. David Lees said

This is a really exciting development for Blue Islands and Southampton Airport. We are looking forward to welcoming more passengers on this route to and from Guernsey and expect many people from the island to take advantage of the special rail tickets available to passengers, giving them quick and easy access to London.

Two cabin crew will be on board every flight, serving complimentary bacon sandwiches on the morning flights to Southampton and full bar service, with Champagne, on the evening flights back to Guernsey.

The combination of Flybe abandoning the Gatwick service and the continued growth of our business means it is a perfect time to significantly upgrade our offering from Guernsey to Southampton. We maintain true to our belief that there are better airports to fly to than Gatwick, both for travel to the UK, London and worldwide and our diverse network illustrates this.

New Schedule

Morning flights now leave an hour and twenty minutes earlier at 07:15, so passengers can make the most of the day and easily make connections onto London Waterloo from the train station. 

The Saturday service will now have an evening service, rather than lunchtime so that day return travel can be enjoyed on a Saturday. This gives a great opportunity for sports teams, football fans and shoppers who can make the most of long days in and around the city. 

A new special discounted fare with South West trains is now available for travel into London Waterloo, providing significant savings for passengers wishing to travel to London. The £30 return ticket is an anytime ticket providing complete flexibility and favourable pricing, bookable through the Blue Islands website.   

Over 110,000 extra seats will be available to Southampton and comes at a perfect time in light of the possible impending loss of capacity from Guernsey to Gatwick. The upgraded service is launched with a new lower fare, starting from £39.