Fête nationale offers Aurigny, Guernsey’s airline, a moment to reflect on its French connections, both in name and nature.
The airline has always carried a touch of France in its name. ‘Aurigny’ itself comes from the Norman French for Alderney, and the island’s close proximity to France has shaped its culture for centuries – from language and architecture to family ties across the Channel.
That spirit of connection continues to grow. In 2024, Aurigny launched a twice-weekly route between Guernsey and Paris. Since then, demand has been strong – with Aurigny reporting that inbound visitors from Paris are up 30% this June compared to the same time last year.
The new route is also helping to make Aurigny a more attractive destination for French talent. One of Aurigny’s newest pilots, Michael Augustin, joined the airline in late 2024.
First Officer, Michael Augustin (pictured top) said: “It’s not just a convenient route, it’s a way to stay connected with family and culture. Flying into Paris, hearing French air traffic control, it’s a small reminder of how close we really are.”
Michael finds the island’s French touches surprisingly comforting, “You see it all around, from the language on street signs to the proximity to the French coast.”
Michael will be on duty this Bastille Day but he plans to check in with family in France and follow the celebrations online.
Zoe Gosling, Lead Marketing Officer at States of Guernsey, said: “It’s great to see Aurigny’s French connections going from strength to strength with more inbound visitors by air. We’re proud to support the route’s growth and work with the wider team to make it a continued success – not just for tourism, but for reconnecting families, friends, and communities on both sides of the Channel.”