DIRECT flights between Jersey and the Isle of Man are to be trialled by Blue Islands from next month.
The airline yesterday announced that the service, which will see flights operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 November until 7 December, follows “engagement with the local business community”.
The chief executive of Blue Islands, Rob Veron, said that if the trial was successful, a full scheduled service could be launched “early in 2024”.
“We’re excited to trial direct flights to the Isle of Man. Through surveys and discussions with key businesses in each island we have some insights into the likely market requirement. The next stage in assessing the viability of such services is this five-week trial,” he explained.
“Blue Islands is committed to providing services that bring strategic benefit to the islands. We’re launching this trial with a number of cornerstone corporate partners, who have each taken an advance allocation of seats, enabling us to explore the longer-term viability of a year-round service.
“We thank everyone who has provided feedback and the organisations that have committed to purchase seats in advance. This is a unique collaboration that ensures the viability of the trial, which we hope will enable a longer-term scheduled service.”
Joe Moynihan, the chief executive of Jersey Finance, said that numerous Jersey firms had “well-established connections with the Isle of Man” and that improved connectivity could benefit the Island.
“We keenly await the results of this trial of the route’s long-term viability,” he added.
Matt Thomas, the chief executive of Ports of Jersey, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Blue Islands to launch an Isle of Man service, providing valuable connectivity to link our two islands.
“We really appreciate the input from key stakeholders who have explained how valuable this service would be to our business community and look forward to the trial being successful.”
