Loganair has formally submitted an application to secure permission to operate important air routes linking Guernsey with Jersey and Guernsey with Southampton. The Scottish based carrier stepped in to maintain these flights as emergency rescue services after the collapse of Blue Islands last month. Following discussions with the government of Guernsey, the company decided to pursue permanent approval to continue serving these routes. Luke Farajallah, the chief executive of the airline, stated that these inter island connections represent far more than simple travel convenience. He described them as essential lifelines that support families, medical patients, business travellers and many community organisations. According to him, a stable service is vital for the daily functioning of both islands and the broader Channel Islands region.
Farajallah also expressed confidence that there is sufficient demand for two air operators to work the same routes. He argued that having more than one carrier would strengthen long term stability, ensure competitive prices and guarantee that residents and visitors retain essential connectivity in every season. He added that the presence of two airlines would also help to avoid service gaps if one provider faces technical or financial problems. The Transport Licensing Authority in Guernsey is now running a public consultation to review applications for several essential routes. These include the connections to London Gatwick, Alderney and Southampton, along with the Jersey service that is scheduled to start operating on fifteen January. Decisions on these consultations will determine which carriers are granted formal permission to run the routes next year.
Airline Loganair Requests Licence To Run Essential Inter Island Flights
The Scottish airline said it would not seek any financial assistance from the States of Guernsey to operate the services. Its leadership said that early feedback from residents, business groups and travellers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many passengers have welcomed the stable schedules provided in recent weeks and the reassurance that an established operator is willing to commit to the long term future of the routes. Aurigny, the airline owned by the States of Guernsey, also stepped in to provide temporary recovery services after the collapse of Blue Islands. The state run carrier has confirmed that it intends to apply for its own licence to continue operating the routes from January. This means that both Loganair and Aurigny could potentially serve the same connections if both applications are approved.
Blue Islands collapsed after struggling for several years, including during the severe travel disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. The company had previously received a loan of eight point five million pounds from the government of Jersey to help it survive the difficult period. By June of this year, seven million pounds of that loan remained outstanding. The future of these air connections is considered crucial for the Channel Islands, which rely heavily on aviation for medical transfers, trade, tourism and social links. The upcoming decision by the Transport Licensing Authority will shape the next chapter of regional air travel and determine which operators will maintain vital air links between the islands and the United Kingdom.
source:BBC
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