Exeter to Manchester flights to continue as Blue Islands serves key UK regional connectivity

Blue Islands has announced it will operate multiple daily flights between Exeter and Manchester as the regional airline continues to maintain essential regional connectivity. 

Rob Veron, CEO Blue Islands said, “We understand the importance of regional connectivity, with 120,000 passengers flying between Exeter and Manchester in 2019 we have reacted quickly to maintain these vital connections which are essential for the economic and social wellbeing of the South West, following the sad closure of Flybe. 

“We are pleased to complement Saturday’s announcement of the continuation of flights between Exeter and Jersey with our Exeter – Manchester services. We look forward to providing key UK regional infrastructure in this first phase of activity from Exeter Airport as we continue to sustainably develop our route network in key markets.”

Matt Roach, Managing Director at Exeter Airport said, “With routes already secured to Jersey and now with the addition of multiple daily services from Exeter to Manchester, we are delighted that Blue Islands has been able to provide this key infrastructure to the South West, and so quickly after the disruptions which followed Flybe’s collapse last week."

Blue Islands will establish a base including engineering support in Exeter for its ATR aircraft and crew to serve the route which will operate multiple flights throughout the day from mid-April. Recruitment is underway, for more information please see www.blueislands.com/careers. This follows last weekend’s announcement that Blue Islands will also maintain the connection between Exeter and Jersey with up to seven flights per week. The former Flybe franchise partner has continued uninterrupted services as normal including operating free flights to Birmingham and Exeter last week. 

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon said, “Keeping Devon’s quickest connection with Manchester is great news for the South West. I’d like to thank Blue Islands for stepping in and providing this popular route to protect jobs and connectivity.”

Blue Islands added flights from Jersey to Birmingham and Exeter to its network, which started yesterday Wednesday 11 March, with existing services operating between Guernsey and Jersey and to Bristol, East Midlands, London City, Newquay and Southampton. Flights between Exeter and Jersey are available to book now at BlueIslands.com, while Exeter – Manchester flights will be available imminently.