Guernsey airlines' controversy

Aurigny Airlines, the State-owned airline of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, says it would need another aircraft if it is to be the replacement for the Flybe Gatwick service.  The airline has been owned by the Bailiwick since 2003 and has accumulated losses of £12m. 

Flybe’s March departure leaves Aurigny with a monopoly to the island from London assuming that no other carrier comes on the route.  Blue Islands, a local competitor, who flies via Jersey to London City, says that it is not interested, the cost of operating into Gatwick being far too high.  Blue Islands is also looking at a direct London City service, but once again the airport charges may foil the operation.

At the present time Aurigny operates three 66-seat ATR 72-200s.  One of Flybe’s redundant Bombardier 78-passenger Q400s would be ideal but an aircraft mix less than perfect.  Another solution would be Embraer 195s on the service with less frequency.  Last year Aurigny flew just under 200,000 passengers on the route and Flybe 140,000.

The matter is to be debated by the local legislature on 30 July.  A quick decision will be needed in order to have new arrangements in place by April 2014. www.gov.gg

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