Flybe has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Channel Island-based Blue Islands for it to become its third franchise partner and operate flights to and from Jersey and Guernsey airports.

The deal will take effect from spring 2016.

Saad Hammad, Flybe chief executive said: “Today’s announcement reflects the long-standing relationship Flybe has with the Channel Islands which can only be deepened by this proposed new partnership.

“We look forward to welcoming Blue Islands into our expanding franchise family.”

As with Flybe existing franchisees, Loganair and Stobart Air, once the agreement has been finalised, Blue Islands’ flights will be branded and marketed as Flybe and sold via all Flybe distribution channels including online.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands managing director said:  “By becoming a franchise partner of Flybe, we will really be able to put Guernsey and Jersey firmly on the radar of potential new visitors and will all benefit from Flybe’s significant marketing bandwidth capabilities.

“While our aircraft will be re-painted in Flybe livery, we will still remain an independent locally owned air operator continuing to fly all our own aircraft under the Blue Islands AOC (Air Operators Certificate).

“We will continue to employ all our own crew, undertake all our own maintenance and control our own handling arrangements, and set our own prices.”