Following Flybe's substantial cuts to Guernsey's lifeline route to Southampton, Blue Islands have undertaken to accommodate all the Flybe passengers affected by the significant reduction to the Flybe Guernsey - Southampton service.   Our team is working closely with Flybe to ensure that every passenger is re-accommodated onto the most suitable alternative flight.

Derek Coates, Chairman of Blue Islands commented,

Being privately owned and having sufficient aircraft within our fleet, we are able to quickly react to circumstances such as these and increase our schedule of flights accordingly. Our team will be closely monitoring the booking patterns over the coming months. In the light of these events, we have already scheduled two extra flights in October during the afternoons.

He added,

Blue Islands is a locally owned airline that is fully committed to Guernsey's business and visitor economy. We will now be taking delivery of a second ATR 72 on the 1st October and we have our back-up spare ATR 42 available immediately. This means that we are fully able to ensure that this lifeline route is protected and continues to prosper and grow

Since upgrading the Southampton service in December, Blue Islands has seen an ever increasing market share on this route, illustrating a clear customer loyalty grown from the airlines transparent pricing policy, free ticket changes and zero baggage charges, coupled with highly competitive fares.  Latest airport figures showed a Southampton market growth of 53% in August alone compared to last year.

The latest CAA data reports that the total market for the Southampton route has grown by 33,142 passengers in 2014, an increase of 38% from 2013.  At the same time, the London Gatwick market has reduced by 21,313 passengers showing a clear shift towards Southampton as the preferred cost effective and efficient route to London.

Blue Islands flights from Guernsey to Southampton start from £25 including all taxes and charges. The airline has confirmed that this low fare structure will continue following Flybe's reduction in flights.