Select a region
Guernsey's aircraft registry is celebrating a decade in business with nearly 1,000 aircraft now on its books... little more than a year after Jersey's attempt flopped with just four planes signed up during its lifespan.
'2-REG' was launched in December 2013, to provide aircraft registration services to aircraft lessors for the purpose of lease transitions and private aircraft owners and operators.
Since then it has contributed annually to the island's economy - with figures for 2019 showing it had paid in around £1.4million during that year alone.
Jersey's, meanwhile, was shut down last October, after costing £1.2m to set up and run but only bringing in £27,000 during its seven-year lifespan. With the original plan to create a pan-island register, it remains one of several examples of how not to do neighbourly relations.
Express reflects on the missed opportunity for Jersey, and what went right in Guernsey...
The concept of a registry started from a conversation between interested parties in Guernsey and Jersey, when the original idea was for a joint registry to be set up.
They thought it would make good economic – and efficiency – sense, as there was a single pan-island Director of Civil Aviation and a common aviation law was in place.
Kevin Stewart was Economic Development Minister in Guernsey when the two islands were discussing the potential of a joint register in 2012/13.
“I like to get on with things and despite a number of attempts to reach out to Jersey, they never got back to us... Jersey simply dropped the ball," he told Express.
Jersey then wanted back in – but Guernsey said 'no' as it had "done all the legwork – that didn't go down well, to put it mildly", Mr Stewart reflected.
Pictured: Kevin Stewart, the former Guernsey Deputy behind the island's registry said Jersey "simply dropped the ball".
The decision to set up Jersey's own registry was taken by the island's then Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean in September 2013, after Guernsey had already decided to go it alone.
One of the key differences in how the two registries ended up operating is that Jersey insisted that those using a Jersey prefix would have to use a Jersey company to own the asset – even though it is commonplace for aircraft in different jurisdictions to differ from where they are registered.
Jersey's government also decided to keep the operation in-house, appointing a civil servant to take charge – unlike Guernsey, which opted for a public-private partnership.
It took two years and cost £860,801 to set up the 'JAR', including £372,000 on IT and £177,000 on consultants.
Over the following years, there were several stop-start attempts to revive it when it didn't appear that things were going to plan – but ultimately Ministers decided to axe it last year.
One of the nails in the coffin was an economic analysis by expert consultants Oxera. Express has previously requested that report, but the Government has declined to reveal it on the grounds of commercial sensitivity.
While the number of new registrations dropped off during the pandemic years with 2022 seeing between 20 and 30 transactions a month – both registrations and de-registrations – Guernsey's registry is celebrating going strong a decade on with around 1,000 aircraft registered today.
The team at 2-REG said they are "proud to be celebrating its 10-year anniversary, following a momentous journey of growth and success as one of the world's leading aircraft registries since its inception in December 2013".
Pictured: Some of the fees levied by 2-REG.
John Nicholas, Director of Civil Aviation for the Channel Islands, credited the island's "safety culture" and "high performing team" for its success.
His words were echoed by Damon Hackley, the States of Guernsey Director of Operations, who said that 2-REG has shown much promise for the future, now being a "significant player in the aircraft registry arena".
Headquartered in Guernsey, with two additional satellite offices in Amsterdam and Singapore, 2-REG is run through a public-private partnership between the States of Guernsey and SGI Guernsey Limited and Air Navigation Law.
Matt Bisson, 2-REG's Aircraft Registrar, says the way it is run means it has benefits, at low risk, for the States.
Pictured: The listed benefits of joining Guernsey's aircraft registry.
"2-REG operates at zero cost to the States of Guernsey and presents a low commercial risk with a manageable reputational impact, offering significant benefits to local businesses. The company has created access to the aerospace sector for Guernsey's financial and legal services that previously did not exist. The strategic partnership with SGIG has been key to the success and growth of the local aerospace sector," he said.
Paolo Lironi, Chief Executive Officer of SGI Group said the way 2-REG had operated – via a "robust public-private partnership" – was key to its success.
Looking ahead, the team at 2-REG said their future aims include enhancing its offerings, exploring new market opportunities, and providing further accessibility to its stakeholders across the globe, along with "exceptional value with around-the-clock response times".
Ultimately 2-REG wants to be recognised as "a global leader in aviation and beyond".
INSIGHT: Why the Jersey Aircraft Registry never got off the ground
Jersey Aircraft Registry axed, while Guernsey's seems to fly high
2-REG collaborates with Aurigny
First corporate jet is registered with the Channel Islands Aircraft Registry
WATCH: Few aircraft as Jersey registry seeks relaunch as world's first with blockchain
Fresh turbulence for Jersey Aircraft Registry as provider pulls out
Third time lucky? Jersey Aircraft Registry to get another relaunch
Ports of Jersey called in to help Aircraft Registry take flight again
Take-off for Jersey aircraft registry
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.