Blue Islands has today launched its inter-island schedule timing consultation survey, initially aimed at business travellers, to gain a consensus view on if/how flight timings could be adjusted to best meet the needs of the inter-island market.

In March, Blue Islands announced it would deploy a larger aircraft on the inter-island route to provide more seats than ever before at the times when people have historically chosen to travel and that a consultation process would follow to refine the schedule offered.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands CEO said

Blue Islands is committed to the inter-island route and wish to see the market grow and thrive as much as any other stakeholder. This consultation provides an opportunity for business travellers to express their preference between a range of operationally feasible schedule options and we are committed to time the flights we operate to reflect the consensus view. We hope this consultation will help to ensure the Blue Islands product is aligned with market requirements to the fullest extent possible, whilst maintaining long term financial sustainability.

The survey has been shared with the Institute of Directors and Chamber of Commerce organisations and their members in Guernsey and Jersey. The survey can be completed by visiting www.blueislands.com/survey - closing date is Friday 26 May 2017.

Jersey's Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham said

Travel between the islands is vital for business and social purposes. I welcome Blue Islands' consultation and would encourage all interested parties to engage.

Mr Veron added

Naturally we understand the significant role inter-island travel plays in leisure travel, including sport. As such we are engaging separately with the relevant sporting bodies in Guernsey and Jersey. Through better co-ordination, we believe it is possible to achieve planned fixture weekends that generate the required passenger numbers in both directions to make extra capacity, additional services or even dedicated charter flights viable and feasible for all concerned.