Scottish airline Loganair operates 43 aircraft, predominantly on routes to, from and within Scotland, while Blue Islands operates five aircraft and is now expanding its network from its Channel Island bases, with services including Manchester-Exeter and Manchester-Southampton, launched following the collapse of Flybe in March.
The airlines will provide “seamless connections” between their flights, enabling customers to buy a single ticket on a range of links between Scotland, the North East, Isle of Man, south coast and Channel Islands.
Hubs at Southampton and Manchester will link points such as Inverness with Exeter; Isle of Man with Southampton and Guernsey and Jersey with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.
The ability to book journeys in a single ticket will also enable customers to save paying double Air Passenger Duty, which would apply if tickets for the flights were purchased separately.
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re delighted to be working with Blue Islands to offer this new range of connections for customers throughout the UK. Providing dependable air services to communities throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man is a core part of the DNA of both airlines and by joining up our networks, we can help many more customers reach their destination.”
Blue Islands chief executive Rob Veron added: “We are excited to form this new partnership with Loganair, hand in hand with a significant expansion of our own route network after 15 years of Channel Islands-centred operations. It further enhances Blue Islands’ commitment to deliver robust and reliable regional air connectivity.
"We are delighted to be able to offer customers an extended route network with the peace of mind of guaranteed connections, Air Passenger Duty savings and the easy convenience of checked-through hold luggage in a single ticket.
“Whether flying for business, leisure or visiting friends and family, this partnership once again boosts regional connectivity for the communities we serve in the Channel Islands and the UK using our Manchester and Southampton hubs to connect to destinations on the Loganair route network.
“Furthermore, it will provide vital support for our visitor economies, particularly in the Channel Islands as we can welcome Loganair customers from Scotland and the North East onto our services to Guernsey and Jersey.”
