Blue Islands gives the 'Freedom to Fly'

Tuesday 28 January 2020

Blue Islands is offering Guernsey people the chance to conquer their flying phobias and enjoy what the airline has to offer this year, with a free course.

It's giving 20 people the chance to attend its free 'Freedom to Fly' course, which aims to help those with the common fear of flying.

"We have previously offered our 'Freedom to Fly' courses in Guernsey and Jersey," said Blue Islands CEO, Rob Veron. "Both were hugely over-subscribed, pertinent to the number of Channel Islanders that have a very real and debilitating aversion to flying, so we are delighted to offer this again in the New Year.

"Our courses have changed the lives of many Channel Islanders. We received amazing feedback from previous courses, including someone who was able to travel to see family in Canada for the first time years. For others it meant they were simply able to get on a plane."

Pictured: Rob Veron.

The two day course will take place at Guernsey Airport on the 14 and 15 March. It will be delivered by the airline's flight training team along with an International Behaviour Change Coach. Participants will spend one day in the classroom before heading out on an experience flight to put what has been learnt into practice.

"We are lucky to live on our beautiful islands, but travel is essential and we know a fear of flying can have an adverse effect on people's lives," Mr Veron added.

"This is a time of year when many are making travel plans for 2020, whether it's to see family, enjoy off-island leisure experiences or as an essential element of a new career. However, for some a fear of flying affects their lives to a point where they are not able to enjoy experiences that others take for granted. 

"Fears differ and affect individuals in various ways and stages before a flight, sometimes even discussing it can cause anxiety to rise."

Amanda attended the last course in Guernsey and has since been able to fly without any problems.

"I was determined to do this course for my daughter's sake," she said. "I want to be able to go on holidays as a family. Even after I booked the course, I thought it was going to be very unlikely I would get on the plane.

"Saturday was so informative and reassuring. Blue Islands' training captain was fantastic in explaining the ins and outs of a plane and flying. Mo Harford-Bury [the Behavioural Change Coach] was an amazing speaker and really helped me to feel more comfortable about the whole experience."