Blue Islands to help people in Jersey conquer their fear of flying

Blue Islands is bringing its Fear of Flying course to Jersey after its successful debut in Guernsey earlier this year. Over the weekend of the 11 and 12 November, 20 Jersey residents will have the opportunity to conquer their phobia.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands CEO said the popularity and impact of the Guernsey course convinced the airline to repeat it in Jersey.

Feedback from those on the first course showed there had been real, significant change from people who previously had been terrified of flying. One person went from having a panic attack just coming into the airport terminal on the first day, to being able to take the experience flight the next with no problems – it was incredible. As a local airline our aim is to serve everyone in the community and this course will further allow us to do that. As a committed local airline our aim is to serve our island communities and that includes going the extra mile where we can, with impactful initiatives such as these courses.

The two-day course, provided courtesy of Blue Islands, consists of an in-depth understanding of aircraft and the aviation environment with Blue Islands’ training manager Chris Stubbs, followed by an afternoon session with International Behavioural Change Coach and Trainer, Mo Harford Bury. The second day starts with a brief recap followed by an experience flight.

Amanda Bishop took the first course, has since been able to fly without any problems and described it as “life changing.”

I was determined to do this course for my daughter's sake. She is 17 month’s old and I didn't want her picking up on my fear. 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. Chris Stubbs was fantastic in explaining the ins and outs of a plane and flying. Mo Harford Bury was an amazing speaker and really helped me to feel more comfortable about the whole experience. If it wasn't for her and for the rest of the people on the course, I don't think I would have boarded the plane. I have to admit I was worried what a plane full of nervous and anxious people would be like but we all did it together and I think we all had an amazing flight!

Jersey Airport is supporting the course and Ports of Jersey Key Account and Marketing Director Myra Shacklady says,

Ports of Jersey is delighted to support Blue Islands with their initiative. Living on an island we are so reliant upon air links so it must be very daunting for those people whose travel plans are limited due to a phobia of flying. To my knowledge this is the first time such a course has been offered in Jersey and I am sure it will be of great benefit to those people who attend.

Anyone who wishes to register an interest can do so now until 30 September after which 20 people will be chosen at random.