Two Blue Islands planes detained at airport

Deputy Mark Helyar said it "wouldn't be appropriate" to give details on the amount Blue Islands owed the States of Guernsey

Two Blue Islands planes have been impounded at Guernsey airport, a States' deputy has confirmed.

Deputy Mark Helyar, president of the States' trading supervisory board, said the aircraft were detained on Saturday due to outstanding charges owed by Blue Islands.

The Channel Islands airline, which employed about 100 staff, announced on Friday that it had suspended trading and cancelled all future flights.

Mr Helyar said it "wouldn't be appropriate" to give details on the amount Blue Islands owed the States of Guernsey but the charges were "due to operational costs such as landing fees".

'Monies owed'

He added: "Naturally, I want to do everything possible to ensure Guernsey taxpayers receive the money owed to them.

"As such, on Saturday we took the decision to detain the two Blue Islands aircraft currently at Guernsey Airport.

"These are aircraft leased by Blue Islands but, under the relevant Guernsey law, which is similar to legislation elsewhere in this regard, such aircraft can be held by authorities in order to assist with recovery of monies owed.

"We will take all steps within our authority to recover monies owed."