Updates on aviation in the Channel Islands
Updates on aviation in the Channel Islands
Image Credit ian simpson (JetPhotos)
Blue Islands has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft, the first new addition to its fleet in 3 years
The aircraft, leased from Jetstream Aviation Capital and registered G-ISLP, arrived in Jersey yesterday evening from Exeter. It is Blue Islands’ first ATR 72-600, joining the airline’s existing fleet of four ATR 72-500s.
The 10-year-old aircraft first flew in July 2014 and was previously operated by Avianca Guatemala until 2021. It then spent nearly three years in storage, first in South America, then at Saint-Brieuc, France, before returning to service in August 2024. Throughout its operational life and periods of overhaul, G-ISLP has accumulated just over 11,500 flying hours.
Image Credit ATR
Owned by Jetstream Aviation Capital, G-ISLP underwent maintenance in Billund, Orebro and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho before crossing the Atlantic again in March 2025. The aircraft arrived in Exeter for repainting in full Blue Islands livery ahead of its final delivery to Jersey.
The aircraft had originally been expected to enter service at the start of Q1, but its delivery was delayed. Blue Islands explained:
“When an aircraft changes operator it is subject to an intensive programme of maintenance to ensure that it then delivers the highest standards of service and safety. These works have taken the lessor longer to complete than forecast, which is regrettably out of our control.”
The airline currently operates 900 flights per month, between Guernsey and Jersey and the UK and Europe. According to Civil Aviation Authority data, the airline carried 340,607 passengers across all of its services in 2024.
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