Blue Islands franchise partnership with Europe’s largest regional airline goes live
DEVON, UK, 2016-Jun-10 — /Travel PR News/ — Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, is pleased to report that its third franchise partner, Blue Islands, took to the skies on Monday 6th June 2016 in its distinctive new operating colours.
Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer said: “The start of Blue Islands’ Flybe franchise operation marks a significant milestone for both airlines, creating an exciting synergy between two of the Channel Islands’ best known airlines. Through the services they offer, we look forward to bringing the world to the Islands’ doorstep, providing customers with increased efficiencies and access to a greater choice of UK and European connections.”
Rob Veron, Blue Islands’ Managing Director commented: “The first day of our franchise operation went extremely smoothly as planned, despite the regular challenge of Channel Island fog. By becoming Flybe’s third franchise partner, travel to and from Guernsey and Jersey will become even more convenient thanks to the quick and easy through-connectivity offered through Flybe’s extensive UK and European network, benefitting Channel Islanders and visitors alike.”
Under the Flybe franchise, Blue Islands is operating 1,100 flights per month on its Guernsey-Jersey, Guernsey-Southampton, Jersey-Bristol, Jersey-London City and new Jersey-Southampton services.
Mr Veron added: “All bookings for Blue Islands-operated services can now be made through flybe.com. All our flights now operate using Flybe flight numbers and we have commenced our aircraft repainting programme which will see four of our five ATR aircraft sporting the distinctive Flybe livery.”
Existing Blue Islands’ customers’ bookings have been transferred to the new Flybe services. The only change will be a different flight number and booking reference; all other details remain the same and no further action is required.
-ENDS-
Issued by the Flybe press office: T: 0845 675 0681 E: pressoffice@flybe.com
Notes to Editors:
Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline – 214 routes serving 10 countries from 75 departure points, 36 UK/38 European airports* (all routes on sale Apr’16 – Mar‘17); operates more UK domestic flights than any other airline (UK CAA Apr ’15 – Mar16); one of only two UK-based carriers in top 20 global airlines punctuality league table by OAG (Jan ’16) and named top UK airline for punctuality in report issued by UK consumer watchdog Which? (Dec 2014); named ‘Best Short-Haul Airline’ at the 2016 Business Travel Awards (Jan ‘16); is the largest scheduled airline by air traffic movements at Belfast City, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Jersey, Manchester, Newquay and Southampton airports (UK CAA Mar ’16); operates fleet of 76 aircraft – 51 Bombardier Q400, 9 Embraer 195, 11 E175 & 5 ATR 72s; codeshares with BA, Air France, Etihad, KLM, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Air India; has three franchise partners, Loganair, Stobart Air and Blue Islands making it only UK airline brand with 70% coverage of reporting airports (UK CAA Mar’15); has own globally recognised Training Academy in Exeter with flight deck and cabin crew simulator facilities, 26 classrooms and 150-seat conference facility.
*Flown under the Flybe brand (30 routes/11 airports exclusively served by Flybe’s franchise partner, Loganair: and 3 routes and 3 airports exclusively operated by franchise partner, Stobart Air)
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