Today has seen the first of the trial flights linking the Isle of Man directly with the Channel Islands.

Blue Islands has launched a trial of the route, with a look at potentially opening a permanent schedule next year.

Starting today, the airline is running a five week trial with two flights a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, linking the Isle of Man with Jersey and on to Guernsey.

A post from Ronaldsway said: 'Connectivity brings many social-economic benefits. Blueislands are continually evaluating and exploring the feasibility of new route opportunities.

'Recent engagement with the island's business community has resulted in a five-week trial of a Jersey - Isle of Man service (and connections from/to Guernsey); seeking to make travelling between these Crown Dependencies easier for our colleagues.

'The trial will enable Blue Islands to better understand the viability of launching a scheduled route on a permanent basis. We, of course gave Blue Islands a warm welcome by offering the passengers and crew a cupcake. We are keeping our fingers crossed that this service becomes permanent in 2024.'

The airline was welcomed to Ronaldsway with cupcakes for the crew and passengers.

Pic: Isle of Man Airport