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Alderney aviation experts have set out a new plan for future services which would require Guernsey to buy three new planes at more than £7m – and allow the northernmost Channel Island to operate direct flights to Jersey.
The Alderney Air Transport Group set out their proposal in a letter to all Guernsey and Alderney States members.
Their plan would require buying three new Tecnam Traveller P2012 aircraft at a cost of about £7.2m, which would then be flown by operators chosen after a tender process.
The Alderney-Southampton route would be dropped in favour of using Guernsey as a hub.
The plane could also provide a daily service to Jersey in the summer, plus two flights a week to Cherbourg.
Roger Dadd, speaking on behalf of the Alderney Air Transport Group, said: “Our objective is to see Alderney provided with a reliable air service, with more frequent flights, increased seat capacity and the ability to meet seasonal demands with both aircraft and crews based in Alderney.
“Although we recognise that any decision for the future of Alderney’s air services must rest with the States of Guernsey, we believe it important that a proposal comes from Alderney residents which provides reliable low cost air links to the northern Isle without the need for huge borrowings to expand Alderney’s airport.
“We appreciate that our plan will not be all things to all people, but it takes its lead from the Scottish Highlands and Islands model, and is tailored to the needs of a small community of two thousand people.”
Also behind the proposal is Rod Paris and Malcom Matthews.
Pictured: The proponents say this plan would not need the runway extended.
The States of Alderney have welcomed the idea but emphasised that much work would be needed before it could be considered as a viable option.
"We welcome ideas from the public and thank the group for its concept which we will review with interest as we develop the strategy for solving our connectivity issues.
"In the meantime, no doubt the group will continue to develop their ideas into a feasible and deliverable proposition that could be taken to the market.
“A successful air transport model will only emerge once we have clarity on the runway’s dimensions. Until then, such ideas are theory rather than a sound business plan.”
The future of Alderney’s runway is in limbo after tenders for work on it came in at £37m, well in excess of the budgeted £24m, and a review of the options kick started again.
The model suggested by the Alderney residents is broadly based on one which serves the Highlands and Islands of Scotland:
• A subsidy would still be required, but it will be less than the current one
• A 24/7 patient transfer service (Medevac) originating in Alderney
• There are no additional costs for the runway beyond refurbishing and updating it to the current CAA requirements
• The operation requires three or four twin-engined Tecnam Traveller P2012 aircraft, seating nine passengers and a pilot.
• A capacity of 61,500 one way seats is available for flights between Guernsey and Alderney, the key criteria being flexibility, affordability and reliability.
• The plan includes limited services from Alderney to Jersey and Cherbourg, which would not be subsidised.
• Air fares are set at a minimum level consistent with the operation achieving a break-even (after subsidy) in order to stimulate passenger traffic.
• The proposal does not include a direct service between Alderney and Southampton, which is not viable with aircraft of this size. It relies on a high level of integration with Aurigny, whether or not Aurigny chooses to undertake the operation itself.
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