Blue Islands - Company History

August 2009
Blue Islands is awarded a licence to operate ATR aircraft. Their first 46-seat ATR 42-320 joins the fleet of Jetstreams and Dorniers to operate between Guernsey and Jersey and some occasional services to Southampton, Zurich and Geneva. This heralds a new era for the airline and a welcome development for passengers.

May 2009
A free flights initiative is launched by Blue Islands and its affiliate hotels in Guernsey and Alderney. Available with flights from Southampton, Jersey, Guernsey or Alderney, the promotion gives free flights to those staying two nights or more at the 4-star Braye Beach Hotel or 4-star Fermain Valley Hotel. The initiative will initially be available in spring and autumn 2009.

November 2008
A general sales agent is appointed in Switzerland as part of Blue Islands ongoing expansion programme into the Swiss market and in support of its increased capacity on the Channel Islands routes to Geneva and Zurich. A dedicated Swiss reservations number and email address is available.

October 2008
Blue Islands announces new ‘Visitor Friendly’ flight times for the inter-island service operating between Guernsey and Alderney. The new schedule now links into the airline’s Southampton arrival and departures into Guernsey.

February 2008
Blue Islands increases its service to Zurich and Geneva from three days a week to five days a week. Blue Islands also launches a new online check-in service.

November 2007
Blue Islands launches a year-round scheduled air service to both Zurich and Geneva, with a 31 seat Dornier 328 aircraft, non-stop from the Channel Islands.

July 2007
Blue Islands begins a twice daily service between Guernsey and Southampton.

June 2007
A fourth Jetstream 32EP is added to the fleet.

March 2007
Blue Islands receives approval for a licence to operate the Guernsey - Southampton route.

October 2006
Blue Islands makes all tickets fully changeable at no extra cost*.

April 2006
Blue Islands starts its first regional service to the Isle of Man, from Jersey and Guernsey.

March 2006
Two further Jetstream 32EP aircraft are added to the fleet.

February 2006
The Healthspan Group acquires a 100% shareholding in Rockhopper and is re-branded as Blue Islands, acquiring the first of its 19-seat British Aerospace J32EP operating alongside the Trislander and Islander fleet. This marks the company’s development into a regional airline. Paul Sabin is appointed Managing Director.

2005
Dedicated customer airport lounges open in Jersey and Guernsey offering complimentary facilities to our customers.

Rockhopper is awarded the Jersey Tourism Excellence award for Enterprise.

2004
The Guernsey based Healthspan Group acquires a major shareholding in Rockhopper. Healthspan Chief Executive Derek

Coates takes on the role of Chairman.

2003
Le Cocqs Air Link (established by Noel Hayes as Chief Executive in 1999) is re-branded as Rockhopper.