Blue Islands 'committed' to Guernsey-Jersey route

The airline said the flexibility gained by ending the code share could benefit sports clubs

Blue Islands says it is "fully committed" to the Guernsey-Jersey route as the airline is set to become the only one serving it.

Its planes have flown the route for the past two years under a code-share deal with Aurigny, which ends in March with Aurigny no longer providing the route.

Blue Islands said some passengers had described booking under the code share as "clunky".

It said its removal meant it could be more flexible to meet specific demands.

The code share and ferry timetables have come under criticism from sports clubs due to a lack of suitable same-day travel options with events, including athletics fixtures and cricket matches, being cancelled.

Blue Islands said under the code share it had been restricted to a fixed schedule, but now it could "tailor flights to meet specific demand" along as it had "adequate notice".

Blue Islands has signed a memorandum of understanding with Flybe to become its third franchise partner and said further details would be announced if a final agreement was signed.

The airline said whatever the outcome the inter-island service would be operated by Blue Islands.