New plane joins Blue Islands fleet

Blue Islands CEO Apologises for Flight Disruptions as New Aircraft Joins Fleet

The CEO of Channel Islands airline Blue Islands has issued a public apology following recent disruptions to the company’s flight schedule, coinciding with the delayed introduction of a new aircraft.

The airline confirmed that its latest addition, an ATR 72-600 registered as G-ISLP, is now ready to welcome passengers for the summer season. This marks the first of its kind in the Blue Islands fleet.

In May, the airline was forced to cancel 28 scheduled summer flights due to a combination of factors, including a damaged aircraft and delays in receiving the new plane.

Rob Veron, CEO of Blue Islands, acknowledged the frustration caused by the disruptions. In a message shared on social media, he described the past few months as “challenging for our passengers.”

“I know many of you feel let down,” he wrote. “We were hit by a series of issues all at once—maintenance problems, delayed replacement parts, and weather-related damage—resulting in last-minute cancellations and service interruptions.”

Veron explained that the new aircraft, intended to improve reliability, was itself delayed due to supply chain problems, compounding the operational challenges.

Government Pressure and Public Apology

The government of Jersey expressed concern in May over the airline’s performance, warning that action could be taken if service levels did not improve—particularly regarding the needs of islanders who rely on the service for medical travel to the UK.

“As an islander, I understand how critical reliable transport is,” said Veron. “I’m genuinely sorry for the frustration and disruption this has caused. Whether you missed business meetings, family events, or medical appointments, I know the impact was real.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the setbacks, Veron said the arrival of the new ATR 72-600 signals a turning point. With greater passenger capacity and improved reliability, the airline aims to restore customer confidence.

“In the coming weeks, passengers can expect fewer cancellations, better operational resilience, and the dependable service that connects our island communities with each other, the UK, and Europe,” he added.