HAC Industry News 16 November 2025
Welcome to the HAC Aeroclub Industry News Hub, your weekly summary of key developments in UK General Aviation. This week has seen significant changes in the regional airline landscape, important updates from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and new technology releases for pilots.
Commercial News
Blue Islands Ceases Trading, Loganair Steps In to Secure Channel Islands Connectivity
The major news this week is the sudden collapse of Channel Islands-based regional carrier Blue Islands, which ceased trading on 14 November 2025 [1]. This is the second UK regional airline to fail this month, following the collapse of Eastern Airways. Blue Islands operated a fleet of five ATR turboprop aircraft on scheduled and charter services connecting the Channel Islands with the UK mainland. The airline had been in operation since 1999 and had previously operated under the FlyBe brand.
In a swift response, Scottish regional airline Loganair has announced it will take over all of Blue Islands' former routes from Jersey, ensuring continued connectivity for the Channel Islands [2]. Loganair plans to establish a new base in Jersey and aims to have a full schedule in place by March 2026, covering routes to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton. The airline is also considering taking on the summer routes to East Midlands and Leeds Bradford. The Government of Jersey has welcomed Loganair's intervention and is providing funding for contingency flights.
| Route | Operator | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey - Guernsey | Loganair | To be resumed |
| Jersey - Exeter | Loganair | To be resumed |
| Jersey - Bristol | Loganair | To be resumed |
| Jersey - Southampton | Loganair | To be resumed |
| Guernsey - Southampton | Aurigny | Rescue flights operating |
Regulation News
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been active this week with several important announcements for the aviation community. The regulator has launched a consultation on its proposed charges for the 2026/27 financial year, which will fund its activities in safety, consumer protection, and the modernisation of sector regulation [3].
Additionally, the CAA is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the UK's airspace change process (CAP 1616) [4]. This is a critical area for all pilots, and members are encouraged to review the proposals and provide their input. In a forward-looking development, the CAA has also granted a Permit to Fly to Vertical Aerospace for their VX4 eVTOL aircraft, marking a significant step forward for advanced air mobility in the UK [5].
Technology News
The Garmin D2 Mach 2 and Air X15 Watches
Garmin Unveils New Aviator Smartwatches and Database Updates
Garmin has released two new aviator smartwatches, the D2 Air X15 and the D2 Mach 2, built on their popular Venu and Fenix platforms respectively [6]. These new devices offer a range of features for pilots, including advanced navigation, weather, and health monitoring. Garmin has also released the 2025 IGRF Magnetic Field Model update for its aviation databases, which is an important update for ensuring navigational accuracy [7]. Tatum is the owner of the Garmin Marque Aviator - so if you want to get an hands-on look, please reach out.
Accident Reports - Lessons for us all
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has published its November bulletin, which includes reports on two field investigations and two correspondence investigations. These reports provide valuable safety lessons for all pilots and are a recommended read.
Boeing 737-8K5 (G-TAWB) - Cabin Crew Fall from Steps
A member of the cabin crew was seriously injured when they fell from the aircraft steps as they were being moved away from the aircraft, despite the door still being open. The investigation found that a procedural workaround for door closure and step removal had become common practice at several airports, and that there was a lack of clear responsibility for ensuring the area was clear. This incident highlights the dangers of procedural normalisation and the importance of clear communication and accountability in ground operations. Both the ground handling company and the airline have taken safety action to address these issues. You can read the full report here.
SportStar SLM (G-CMGB) - Loss of Control in Reduced Visibility
A pilot was fatally injured after losing control of the aircraft shortly after takeoff in weather conditions that were not suitable for VFR flight. The investigation found that the pilot encountered weather that was not compatible with flight under VFR and, following a series of descending orbits, the aircraft departed from controlled flight. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of continuing VFR flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). It emphasises the critical importance of thorough pre-flight weather assessment and the need for pilots to be prepared to divert or return if conditions deteriorate. The full report can be found here.
ATR 72-212 A (G-IACZ) - Flap Extension Failure
During an approach to Newquay, the flight crew of an ATR 72 were unable to fully extend the flaps. The crew made the correct decision to go-around and, due to unfavourable weather, declared a Mayday and diverted to Exeter. The aircraft landed safely at Exeter with the flaps extended. This incident demonstrates excellent crew resource management and decision-making in the face of a technical failure and challenging weather. It also highlights the importance of having a plan B and being prepared to divert to a suitable alternate airport. The full report is available here.
Boeing 737-86N (G-NPTA) - Loss of Cabin Pressurisation
On a flight from East Midlands to Edinburgh, the crew of a Boeing 737 experienced a cabin altitude warning and were forced to perform an emergency descent. The investigation found that both air conditioning pack switches were in the OFF position, likely due to a human factors error related to an unusual configuration required for the flight. The crew's prompt and correct execution of the emergency descent procedure prevented a more serious outcome. This incident underscores the risks associated with non-standard configurations and the importance of heightened vigilance and thorough checks in such situations. The full report can be read here.
Visit the Sources for this weeks news:
[1] UK Aviation News. (2025, November 15). Blue Islands: Second UK regional airline collapses this month. https://ukaviation.news/airline-news/blue-islands-second-uk-regional-airline-collapses-this-month/
[2] UK Aviation News. (2025, November 16). Loganair steps in to run Jersey services after Blue Islands collapse. https://ukaviation.news/airline-news/loganair-steps-in-to-run-jersey-services-after-blue-islands-collapse/
[3] International Airport Review. (2025, November 11). UK CAA proposes 2026/27 charges. https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/299329/uk-civil-aviation-authority-launches-2026-27-consultation-to-maintain-value-and-modernise-sector-regulation/
[4] British Aviation Group. (2025, November 13). CAA-Consultation on the airspace change process. https://www.britishaviationgroup.co.uk/knowledge/caa-consultation-on-the-airspace-change-process/
[5] Vertical Aerospace. (2025, November 14). Vertical Aerospace Receives Permit to Fly Approval.... https://vertical-aerospace.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Vertical-Aerospace-Begins-Piloted-Transition-Testing-Following-Permit-to-Fly-Approval.pdf
[6] Garmin Rumors. (2025, November 12). Garmin Unveils D2 Air X15 and D2 Mach 2.... https://garminrumors.com/models/d2-air-x15/
[7] Garmin. (2025, November 12). 2025 IGRF Magnetic Field Model. https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/redirect/magvar-update
[8] GOV.UK. (2025, November). AAIB Bulletin: November 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aaib-reports-november-2025
