Airline Chief Calls for More Blue Islands Staff

Loganair says it hopes to hire former Blue Islands employees after the Channel Islands carrier collapsed last week, leaving about 100 staff out of work. Blue Islands halted trading on Friday, cancelling all future flights and prompting emergency cover from Aurigny on Saturday and Loganair on Sunday.

Two Loganair aircraft were operating in Jersey within 36 hours, supported by contingency funding from the Jersey government, which has not disclosed the amount. CEO Luke Farajallah said three crews had been deployed and that recruitment events would take place in St Helier on Monday and Tuesday as the airline aims to restore a full timetable by March.

Farajallah said Loganair’s entry to the islands was “a good fit” and stressed the company’s financial stability, noting it held no government or bank debt. Licensing for a Guernsey–Southampton service is complete, with final approval from the States of Guernsey pending.

Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas described the response to Blue Islands’ sudden shutdown as a “rollercoaster”, urging passengers to expect some early disruption but remain patient as replacement services bed in.