Loganair Steps In After Blue Islands Collapse, New Jersey Base
Blue Islands, the Jersey-based airline, recently entered receivership, triggering a rapid response from Loganair to maintain vital regional air links. Loganair, clearly anticipating developments, is establishing a new operational base in Jersey, planning an expanded timetable from summer 2026. This move will see two Embraer 145 aircraft based there, serving key routes including Jersey to Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, and Guernsey, providing crucial stability and increased capacity for island connectivity.
A significant immediate concern is the taxpayer-subsidised Newquay to Gatwick route. Initially operated by Eastern Airways, then temporarily by Skybus, the route faced renewed uncertainty when Skybus's plan to use a Blue Islands ATR72 aircraft fell through. Skybus is actively working to source an alternative aircraft, with its CEO expressing confidence in commencing services next Sunday, highlighting the precarious nature of some regional air services.
While Loganair is solidifying its presence on core Jersey routes, the future of Blue Islands' other seasonal destinations, such as Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Norwich, Dublin, and Paris, remains uncertain. This poses a potential risk of reduced connectivity for these locations. Furthermore, Loganair encountered a regulatory challenge when it announced flights between Guernsey and Southampton, leading to a public dispute with the States of Guernsey, who asserted their licensing authority and support for their airline, Aurigny, on the route.
A key benefit for passengers is Loganair's partnership with Avios. With the new Jersey routes, there is an expectation that Avios availability will soon open up, allowing travellers to earn and spend loyalty points, enhancing the value proposition for flying with Loganair. This comprehensive response by Loganair aims to mitigate the disruption caused by Blue Islands' collapse, albeit with some ongoing uncertainties and competitive dynamics.
(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/17/loganair-open-base-jersey/)
