Blue Islands has today announced inter-island flight schedule changes, following feedback from its consultation survey aimed at the Channel Island business community.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands CEO, says the two consultations issued this year now have enough responses to make alterations.

The first survey had just 94 responses, nowhere near enough to base schedule changes on. However, the second survey had 570 responses, and combined this means we have enough data to make adjustments.

On analysing the responses, there was no consensus on morning schedule alterations, with roughly a third supporting each suggestion. Therefore, the morning schedule will remain the same. However, demand was clearly shown for afternoon return flights to be even later, and that’s why we are pushing these services back by 30 minutes, allowing people to get even more out of their day’s travel.”

New times will see the evening Jersey to Guernsey services depart at 16:40 and 18:00. The final two Guernsey to Jersey services will leave at 17:20 and 18:40.

Mr Veron said the airline was happy to make alterations when there was clear evidence it was what people wanted. Although the changes might not meet with approval from everyone, he added, this is what the feedback had requested.

Blue Islands knows how important the inter-island route is, and remains the highest frequency, highest capacity and lowest priced operator on the route. Where we can be flexible and make changes our customers tell us they want to see, we will do that and believe these new times will make it more convenient than ever to travel between Guernsey and Jersey.

Blue Islands operates up to 10 flights a day on the inter-island route, which earlier this year saw capacity boosted by 48% at peak times on the historically busiest flights – we know large aircraft are what this route needs to thrive. Fares are between £39.99 and £64.99, including free 23kgs luggage and ticket changes. Blue Islands is a proud, local airline and continues to serve its customers the best way it can.

The new times will come into effect on 4 December 2017.