Channel Islands carrier Aurigny is to launch new routes to Birmingham and Exeter from Guernsey following the collapse of Flybe.
The first new flights to Birmingham will operate on March 11 and to Exeter the following day with bookings available from tomorrow (Saturday).
The services could be expanded if the coronavirus situation changes and demand warrants it, the airline said.
More: Flybe failed despite £135m cash injection
Loganair takes on 16 former Flybe routes
Aurigny follows Loganair and Eastern Airways in announcing new routes in the wake of the Flybe failure.
Chief executive Mark Darby said: “We believe that maintaining Guernsey’s connectivity is key and with the collapse of Flybe it is an unmissable opportunity for Aurigny to provide a valuable customer service while at the same time increasing our operation and improving our financial position.
“Given that we are able to do this with no increase in fixed costs and with aircraft, crew and a user-friendly booking system immediately available to us we hope that this will alleviate some travel concerns that islanders may have at this time.
“We hope regular travellers to Exeter and Birmingham who previously flew with Flybe will welcome the addition of these routes to our network and the familiar Aurigny service.”
Matt Roach, managing director of Exeter airport – where Flybe was based – said: “The collapse of our long-term partner airline Flybe represented a desperately sad day for us all here at Exeter airport.
“We are therefore delighted that Guernsey’s Aurigny Airlines has quickly stepped in to operate flights from Exeter to Guernsey which will ensure continued service to this popular destination for our region and customers.”
Advantage responds to Flybe failure
Meanwhile, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “Our thoughts are with all of the Flybe family at this sad time and we remain committed to supporting our members through this difficult period.
“We have created an area on the members intranet site to share up to date information and are providing ongoing support through our closed Facebook groups.
“We are comforted to see the support our industry offers with a number of rail operators providing free travel to Flybe employees and customers. We are truly an industry united.”