Airlines drop competition to "restore connectivity"

Tuesday 20 April 2021

Aurigny and Blue Islands have struck a deal to work together to provide same-day return services on certain days of the week and "restore connectivity" to the Channel Islands.

Both airlines will be “harmonising” their schedules between Guernsey, Jersey, Exeter and Birmingham, and increasing the number of flights to and from Southampton, and Alderney too.

Consultation needs to take place with the States of Guernsey and other authorities before the co-operation agreement is put into practice, but the companies hope to implement this agreement as travel restrictions ease. 

Pictured: Both airlines will remain independent but co-operate in the post-covid airline environment.

The airlines released a joint media statement following the decision: “We are delighted to announce a co-operation agreement,” said both the CEO of Aurigny, Nico Bezuidenhout, and Blue Islands CEO, Rob Veron.

“Our aim is to sustainably rebuild, preserving consumer choice and ensuring critical air connectivity as we come out of the pandemic. We firmly believe this agreement will help to bring stability for both passengers and our employees.”

It essentially means there’s no competition on any route in and out of the island for the foreseeable future. Despite this, both CEOs have emphasised their independence.

“Whilst we remain competitors, we will continue to seek out areas where efficiencies may be gained from collaboration – ensuring the viability and sustainability of this essential part of island infrastructure,” they said.