Trislanders sold as Blue Islands listens to passengers

Blue Islands have responded to customer feedback. The majority of passengers now prefer to travel on the ATR and Jetstream aircraft and not the older Trislander aircraft. Blue Islands will therefore cease flying the Trislander on the 4th of December.

The airline has listened to the clear views of regular inter-island travellers who would rather fly on the more spacious, comfortable and quieter turboprop aircraft than the ageing, compact and noisy Trislander aircraft.

This change will see the expanded Blue Islands fleet of 5 Jetstream aircraft and 2 ATR aircraft operate the Blue Islands schedule. This year, the Blue Island's route network has grown significantly with the addition of London City, Manchester, Bristol and Bournemouth added to the schedule. It also means that passengers can enjoy a more pleasant experience when travelling inter-island. No longer will passengers be crammed into the noisy 14 seat aircraft - they can feel comfort knowing that all Blue Islands flights between Jersey and Guernsey will be on the larger, quieter, twin crewed turboprop aircraft.

This business decision has resulted in Blue Islands entering into consultation with the 4 Trislander crew employed. All four pilots have been notified and the airline is working to find alternative employment for them within the business.

Rob Veron, Managing Director, recognises the importance of listening to customers. “It's important that we listen to the views of our passengers – many of whom travel interisland with us a number of times a week. We want our passengers to feel comfortable and secure when flying with Blue Islands and now we can offer a premium product. No more earplugs or tipping the seats to squeeze everyone in, just spacious, comfortable flying.

We also learnt from our passengers they felt unhappy and concerned when flying with only one single pilot, as is done by one of our inter-island competitors. All Blue Islands flights are operated with twin crew.”

Mr Veron continues…
“We are working very closely with all four Trislander pilots who are affected by this business decision and we are currently investigating any other suitable, alternative roles for them within the business.”

The Trislander aircraft were redeployed to service flights between Jersey and Guernsey when Blue Islands were declined a license to operate between Alderney and Southampton. To service this market, the aircraft were renovated in early 2011 with twin avionics and dual controls installed.

The two Trislander aircraft are currently under offer.