Blue Islands focuses on Southampton

The ATR-72 is the company's third aircraft purchase this year to replace its retiring Jetstream fleet

Blue Islands says its new plane will increase the number of passengers it can fly to Southampton.

The UK airport is being suggested as an alternative to Gatwick for those wishing to travel from Guernsey to London.

Capacity to Gatwick is due to drop from April when Flybe's flights stop.

Rob Veron, managing director, says the 66-seat ATR-72 will fly the route from 6 December. Blue Islands is recruiting pilots and cabin crew.

Mr Veron said by operating three times a day the aircraft would increase the number of seats between Guernsey and Southampton by 110,000.

The route was previously operated by a 19-seat Jetstream, which the company is phrasing out.

The airline also has four 48-seat ATR-42s.