Blue Islands seeks Bristol route licence

BLUE Islands wants to compete with Aurigny on the Bristol route.

Commerce and Employment will now consider whether to grant it a licence.

Blue Islands chairman Derek Coates (pictured) said Bristol was an important city and one of the largest business centres in the south.

'This fits naturally with our philosophy to serve the business cities of Europe,' he said.

'We also believe that the tourist and leisure market can be stimulated through this gateway to the west and south-west of England.

This route needs a second operator as the current incumbent has cut capacity and frequency by almost 40% over the winter.'

Mr Coates said that in 2008 compared to the previous year there was a reduction in passenger carryings of 11%.

Blue Islands wants to provide a twice-daily service.