The Channel Island operator Rockhopper has added a third Britten Norman Trislander to its fleet, in preparation for what it expects will be its busiest summer to date.

The aircraft was purchased from Lyddair. “We will be flying a complete Channel Island network as well as flights from all three Islands to Brittany and from Alderney to Bournemouth and Brighton on the UK south coast. We have started the year very strongly, with successive record breaking months, and so adding another aircraft to our fleet is the logical next step,” said chief executive Noel Hayes.\r

As well as the trio of Trislanders, Rockhopper operates two Islanders and expects to add a sixth Britten Norman aircraft to its fleet before the autumn of this year.

The company recently launched its day return service between Alderney and Brighton and has applied to operate a route between Alderney and Southampton.

Commenting on the Brighton service, Hayes said: “We expect this to be a very popular service. Our customers told us they wanted a quick and easy day return service which would allow them to hop

over to Brighton for the shopping; equally, many Brighton residents

told us they wanted to be able to come to Alderney for a short break, perhaps to play golf, or enjoy a relaxed lunch. This service allows them to do just that.”