Scottish carrier Loganair and Channels Islands airline Blue Islands have launched a new partnership to provide air connections on routes between the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The deal will “soon” allow customers to purchase single tickets and benefit from guaranteed connections between the two carriers, with a focus on connections via hubs at Southampton and Manchester, linking points including Inverness and Exeter, the Isle of Man and Southampton, and Guernsey and Jersey with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Both airlines have taken advantage of the failure of Flybe earlier this year, with Loganair taking over several routes, and Blue Islands recently adding two UK bases with services including Manchester to Exeter and Southampton.
The two carriers also said in a joint statement that the ability to book single tickets for connections between the two airlines “will enable customers to save the double Air Passenger Duty which would apply if tickets for the flights were purchased separately, as well as offering guaranteed connections in the event of weather or other disruptions to their travel plans”.
Loganair’s chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said that providing dependable air services to communities throughout the UK, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man was “a core part of the ‘DNA’ of both airlines”, while Blue Islands’ chief executive Rob Veron commented:
“We are excited to form this new partnership with Loganair, hand in hand with a significant expansion of our own route network after 15 years of Channel Islands’ centred operations. It further enhances Blue Islands’ commitment to deliver robust and reliable regional air connectivity.
“We are delighted to be able to offer customers an extended route network with the peace of mind of guaranteed connections, Air Passenger Duty savings and the easy convenience of checked-through hold luggage in a single ticket.
“Whether flying for business, leisure or visiting friends and family, this partnership once again boosts regional connectivity for the communities we serve in the Channel Islands and the UK using our Manchester and Southampton hubs to connect to destinations on the Loganair route network.
“Furthermore, it will provide vital support for our visitor economies, particularly in the Channel Islands as we can welcome Loganair customers from Scotland and the north east onto our services to Guernsey and Jersey.”
