ONE of the planes that formed part of Blue Islands’ fleet was yesterday still being held at Jersey Airport as Ports of Jersey continues “confidential commercial negotiations” with the aircraft’s owner.
The update was provided by Treasury Minister Elaine Millar in response to a written question submitted by Deputy Montfort Tadier, following the collapse of Blue Islands last month.
Shortly after the airline ceased trading, Ports of Jersey confirmed that it was owed £3.275m “accrued from landing charges and other fees and services”.
Blue Islands had a fleet of five ATR turboprop aircraft, which it leased.
A few weeks ago, Ports chief executive Matt Thomas told the JEP that three of the planes were on the ‘pier’ at Jersey Airport, and that the lessors “will be liaising with the liquidators to get their planes back”.
Deputy Tadier’s written question sought answers on several points, including how many of the aircraft were still grounded in the Island and whether Ports was pursuing the registered owners “for all monies owed in landing fees by Blue Islands”.
Deputy Millar said that, as of last Friday, one of the planes remained at Jersey Airport.
“The aircraft is owned by a private individual,” she stated.
“Ports of Jersey have been in confidential commercial negotiations to agree a settlement with the owner on the sums outstanding in respect of the aircraft.
“Negotiations are ongoing and, as such, the situation is commercially sensitive and it would therefore be inappropriate to provide further details.”
A Ports spokesperson said that the States-owned entity had been “liaising with the liquidator and lessors regarding the removal of the aircraft and two aircraft departed last week”.
