Flybe’s Southampton route honoured on Jersey stamp

Flybe is featured on Jersey Post’s first stamp issue of 2009 that features a set of six stamps and a Miniature Sheet containing an additional stamp to mark the 75th anniversary of the inaugural flight between Southampton and the Island.

The airline’s state of the art Bombardier Q400 aircraft features on both the First Day Cover envelope, on the cover of the Presentation Pack and on Jersey Post’s 76p stamp and one of the actual aircraft featured in the set - with the registration JEDL – flew into Jersey this morning for the special unveiling of the stamps.

The first flight between Southampton and Jersey took place on 18th March 1934 and, whilst many airlines have operated the route over the years, Flybe is now the largest, long established carrier between the two destinations, offering up to 50 flights a week this summer.

Ian Taylor, Flybe’s General Manager, Flybe, comments: “As Southampton’s largest scheduled carrier and the long-established carrier on the popular Jersey route, we are naturally honoured to be recognised so prominently in this high profile issue, especially as it highlights our state of the art Q400 aircraft.”

The set of six stamps and Miniature Sheet, painted by UK stamp artist, Tony Theobald, are not only Jersey Post’s first stamp issue of 2009 but also form part of its Aviation History series.

Susanne Lowman, The Philatelic Researcher for Jersey Post, comments: “As the biggest operator on the route, it was imperative that Flybe was included in the collection and we are extremely grateful to them for their input and for providing reference material which was invaluable in preparing this special anniversary issue.”