Flybe has signed a 10-year franchise deal which will see independent airline Blue Islands operate flights for the regional carrier.
Blue Islands, which is based in the Channel Islands, will use Flybe livery on its ATR aircraft and will operate six routes on behalf of Flybe from Guernsey and Jersey to the UK and Europe.
Flybe said that the franchise agreement, which starts in June, has been structured to allow extra aircraft and routes to be added “if required”.
The airline already has existing franchise agreements with Loganair and Stobart Air, which already operate 25 Flybe-branded aircraft.
Flybe’s CEO Saad Hammad said: “This new partnership strengthens the proud and long-standing relationship Flybe has with the Channel Islands by providing local residents, and those wishing to visit, a broader range of flights and airport connections.
“This third franchise agreement extends our ability to deliver unrivalled regional connectivity and time saving business travel for our customers and we look forward to welcoming everyone on board in June.”
The six routes to be operated by Blue Islands will be Southampton to Guernsey and Jersey, Guernsey to Jersey, Bristol to Jersey: London City to Jersey and a winter service from Jersey to Geneva.