This Is Guernsey

By Joel de Woolfson

Blue Islands’ Dornier 328 aircraft which is used on the Isle of Man route.

DOING business in the Isle of Man need no longer involve an overnight stay. This follows Blue Islands increasing the frequency of flights on several of its routes after a passenger survey.

It is now offering day-return flights to the Isle of Man on three days every week. The Geneva and Zurich service has been increased from three to six days a week.

And the Blue Shuttle is making more inter-island trips from Monday to Friday. Blue Islands has also recently started a direct route to Paris, operating on four days a week, as part of its summer schedule.

Paul Sabin, the airline’s managing director, said the extension of its Isle of Man service was a sign that Blue Islands was responding to the views and needs of the business community.

‘The new timings allow our business travellers to do a day in the Isle of Man without the need for an overnight stay, which is something they have been asking for,’ he said.

Blue Islands had served the Isle of Man once a day, every weekday, but now day returns will be possible on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with an extra outward flight on those days as well.

A survey emailed to all Blue Islands customers asking what the airline could do to improve services across its network attracted more than 1,500 responses.

‘As a result, this week we have also moved the popular Geneva and Zurich service from three to six days a week,’ Mr Sabin added.

‘The improved timetable allows passengers to return the following day from both destinations and the later departure gives the business travellers more time in each city.’

On the Paris service, Mr Sabin said: ‘The new four-day-a-week service will be convenient for passengers heading into Paris for business, holidays, breaks or shopping trips in the French capital.

‘In line with our fair-fares policy, all tickets are fully flexible and can be changed at no extra charge.’