Most Blue Islands’ staff have lost their jobs, the company’s liquidators have confirmed.
The airline ceased all operations on Friday evening amid mounting debts and following unsuccessful attempts to sell the business.
It had employed 110 people, mostly based in the Channel Islands, with 98 workers now made redundant and 12 kept on to support the company’s winding down.
Stuart Gardner, Simon Edel and Dan Edkins from the global accountancy firm Ernst & Young were appointed as joint liquidators of Blue Islands Limited on Monday.
The privately owned airline is registered in Alderney and operated out of Jersey and Guernsey, running regular inter-island services, alongside flights to several UK airports and some seasonal international routes.
Its sudden collapse saw 1,200 passengers displaced and 21,000 bookings cancelled.
Blue Islands operated flights across England and the Channel Islands, with seasonal services to Dublin and Paris. Credit: Blue Islands
Blue Islands has a fleet of five leased ATR aircraft, two of which have been impounded at Guernsey Airport over an unspecified debt to the Ports of Guernsey for landing and other fees.
The Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey are also owed a combined £12.3 million for outstanding loans, interest and deferred landing charges.
The liquidators say they will shortly contact all creditors of Blue Islands with further details on how to submit financial claims.
Customers with Blue Islands’ bookings are asked not to visit the airport unless they have alternative travel arrangements.
The liquidators add: “For bookings made directly with Blue Islands, customers should contact their bank or provider of the payment card used to make the booking.
“For bookings made through Blue Islands’ codeshare partner, Aurigny but travelling on a Blue Islands’ flight, customers are advised to contact Aurigny directly as some flights may still be operating.
“For bookings made through a travel agent or holiday company, customers should contact the company with whom they booked for advice and guidance.”
Affected Blue Islands’ staff in Jersey met representatives of the Scottish airline Loganair earlier this week, which has taken over several key routes and wants to establish a base in the island.
It hopes to offer employment to some of those made redundant, with the Government of Jersey also at the meeting to outline the financial and practical support available to those who have lost their jobs.
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