2012-10-9 — /travelprnews.com/ — Two more European routes from Blue Islands will connect the Channel Islands to the world. Amsterdam (Schiphol airport) and Paris (Charles de Gaulle airport) are two of the largest airports in Europe with unparalleled connections worldwide compared to London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
The new services, announced today by the local airline, will commence in February 2013. Blue Islands’ unrivalled growth sees its direct Jersey connections double in less than two years. With twelve direct destinations Blue Islands have more services than any other airline operating into the Channel Islands.
The two routes bring with them incredible connections and opportunity says managing director, Rob Veron.
“Amsterdam and Paris are two major global hub airports that will connect Jersey to the world with hundreds more international destinations than Heathrow and Gatwick combined. Blue Islands will now be flying direct to Geneva, Zurich, Paris and Amsterdam year-round, plus Chambery during the ski season. This is more than any other airline and clearly illustrates our commitment to the future prosperity of our Channel Islands.”
This comes at a welcome time for Channel Island passengers, as alternative routes are experiencing significant cost increases. Mr Veron continues,
“The Channel Islands are heavily reliant on Gatwick and Heathrow for international travel. Due to limited capacity and clear preference for larger aircraft, rather than regional carriers, Gatwick are penalising the smaller carriers by increasing airport charges, which in turn are passed on to passengers.
Flying to Amsterdam and Paris, rather than Gatwick or Heathrow, can also save passengers considerable cost because these will not incur UK Airport Passenger Duty that can add hundreds of pounds to the cost of travel.
APD tax has already been increased by 8% in April 2012 with further increases planned in 2013.
Being an island community excellent travel links are vital, not just for our continued economic development and opportunity to increase tourism into the islands, but to give local passengers greater destination choice and alternative travel routes that help cut the cost of their travel.”
Group Commercial Director for Ports of Jersey, Myra Shacklady, says,
“One of the key objectives of Jersey Airport’s route development programme is to increase direct air services into mainland Europe, not only to fulfil the opportunities for inbound tourism but also to service both the outbound corporate and leisure market. We have been actively working with Blue Islands in the development of routes and we are therefore delighted by today’s announcement that sees the addition of Amsterdam and Paris Charles de Gaulle to their already successful and increasing network. This clearly demonstrates the airline’s continuing commitment to air services from Jersey.”
The services to both Amsterdam and Paris will both commence in February 2013 and prices will start from £89.
Schedule
Jersey – Paris Charles de Gaulle
Depart: 1225 Arrive: 1445 – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Paris Charles de Gualle – Jersey
Depart: 1515 Arrive: 1535 – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Total flight time 1 hour 20 minutes
Jersey – Amsterdam Schiphol
Depart: 1130 Arrive: 1420 – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Amsterdam Schiphol – Jersey
Depart: 1450 Arrive: 1540 – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Total flight time 1 hour 50 minutes (* all times local)
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