Blue Islands will launch a franchise partnership with Flybe from June 6th this year.

The deal first route to operate under the new partnership will be from Jersey to Southampton.

Under the new franchise agreement, the service will be operated on Flybe branded ATR aircraft with Flybe flight numbers.

Channel Islanders will also have an increased choice of ‘through tickets’ to destinations throughout Flybe’s UK and European network.

Saad Hammad, Flybe chief executive, said: “This news benefits customers from the beginning of summer with a greater choice of connections to UK and European destinations.

“It is a win-win for both airlines.

“For Flybe, our brand will retain a presence on key routes to and from the Channel Islands and, for Blue Islands, the alliance is a major opportunity in being a recognised brand of Europe’s largest regional airline.”

Other routes to be operated under the new franchise will be available for booking shortly, the next being Guernsey to Southampton.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands managing director added: ““Flybe’s extensive marketing bandwidth spanning a wide range of sales distribution channels will enable Guernsey and Jersey to enjoy increased exposure to potential new visitors, boosting the economies of both islands.

“Travel from the islands will also become easier with ‘through tickets’ allowing seamless connections to UK and European destinations throughout the Flybe network including Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Amsterdam as well as summer destinations such as Faro and Malaga.”