Blue Islands Applies For Bristol Route

Blue Islands has applied for a route licence to operate between Guernsey and Bristol.  The airline has submitted a case to the Department of Commerce and Employment to operate a new scheduled service to this popular south west airport.

Derek Coates, chairman Blue Islands, said:  ‘Bristol is an important city and one of the largest business centres in the south. This fits naturally within our philosophy to serve the business cities of Europe. 

‘We also believe that the tourist and leisure market can be stimulated through this gateway to the west and south west of England.  This route needs a second operator as the current incumbent has cut capacity and frequency by almost 40% over the Winter 2008/2009.  In 2008, compared to the previous year, this represents a total reduction in passenger carryings of 11%.

Blue Islands will be providing a twice daily morning and evening service to improve opportunities for Islanders and inbound UK travellers’ to benefit both the Guernsey leisure and business sectors.

Since Blue Islands introduced competition on the Guernsey to Southampton route the market saw 9% growth in the twelve months of 2008 over the same period of 2007.

Mr Coates, added: ‘we believe over a period of time, with the introduction of a second operator, we will be able to double the number of both business and leisure visitors to the island from the Bristol catchment area.’