Blue Islands launch Channel Islands Air Search appeal

Local airline, Blue Islands have launched an appeal to raise vital funds to repair the Channel Islands Air Search’s Lions’ Pride aircraft. From now until the end of the year, Blue Islands will donate £5 from all return flights booked from both Guernsey and Jersey.

Local airline, Blue Islands have launched an appeal to raise vital funds to repair the Channel Islands Air Search’s Lions’ Pride aircraft. From now until the end of the year, Blue Islands will donate £5 from all return flights booked from both Guernsey and Jersey.

Rob Veron, managing director says,

“The Channel Islands Air Search is a very important institution for our islands and it is imperative we support them, now more than ever. Living on islands, we can all appreciate the heroic and lifesaving work they do and the unparalleled bravery. We’re honoured to be supporting such a cause.”

Colin Ferbrache, Chief Officer CIAS is delighted with the campaign.

"This is a wonderful, generous scheme by a pan island airline for a pan island rescue asset and we are most grateful to Blue Islands and its passengers for this support. Rob Veron, was one of the first to contact me after the accident asking how Blue Islands could help get Lions’ Pride back in the air."

By booking a return flight from either Jersey or Guernsey with Blue Islands, a donation will automatically be made to the Channel Islands Air Search fund.  Customers will also be able to add to their donations, should they so wish, on a ‘justgiving’ link in booking confirmations. Regular updates on the number of donations made will be announced to track the progress of the campaign.

The Channel Islands Air Search was established 33 years ago and crewed entirely by volunteers who ensure the service is operational 24/7. Each year the costs to keep the Lions’ Pride airborne is around £100,000. In addition to the annual running costs, funds have to be raised for capital items such as engine replacement programmes and other essential equipment.

Additional donations can be made to the appeal on the following ‘justgiving’ site; www.justgiving.com/blueislands-lionspride

Local media partners in both Guernsey and Jersey have pledged their support to the campaign including radio stations Channel 103 and Island FM and The Guernsey Press and Jersey Evening Post.