Aurigny is trying to work out which aircraft is the best to use on the “vital Guernsey – Alderney route” now its plans to use ATRs as standard across all of its routes have been scuppered.
To land ATRs in Alderney would necessitate a lot of remedial work to the island’s runway.
However, constrained finances mean that the States of Guernsey have put the brakes on previously approved work which would have allowed the aircraft to land there.
It was also revealed in last week’s States meeting that Aurigny is now looking at ‘damp-leasing’ Twin Otter aircraft to serve the Alderney route.
With a review of the aircraft that could be used on the route now underway, Aurigny’s Chief Operations Officer said the airline is considering a “range of practical options”.
“We are committed to serving the Alderney community,” said Philip Smallwood. “This is a lifeline route we are proud to operate, and we are focused on delivering the highest possible standards of service for the community.
“The current service uses Dornier aircraft and Aurigny is evaluating several aircraft of similar type, size and capability that would enable us to maintain safe, high quality operations. I would like to stress that while we are actively exploring options, no decisions have been made at this stage.
“Our priority is delivering a high-quality dependable service to our customers across Guernsey, Alderney and the UK – this commitment will remain unchanged, regardless of the aircraft type we operate.
“We will continue to need skilled staff to operate, maintain and support our fleet, whatever aircraft type is selected. Our people are vital to our service. As soon as a decision is reached, we will ensure all stakeholders – including employees, customers, and the Alderney community – are kept fully informed.”
Aurigny is licensed to fly the Guernsey-Alderney ‘lifeline route’ under its Public Service Obligation (PSO).
The airline has said it remains “committed” to that PSO and says it “plays a crucial role in ensuring ongoing connectivity and service quality to the island”.
It had intended to fly ATRs on the Guernsey-Alderney route one it had phased out use of the Dorniers, which currently fly between the two islands.
The intention was to streamline Aurigny’s fleet which would make it more cost effective in terms of staff training and maintenance. The planned work to Alderney’s runway was key to this plan.
Dorniers are able to carry 19 passengers, compared to the 72 that can fly on an ATR.
ATRs need longer runways for taking off and landing, and are also crewed with Stewardesses as well as the flight team.
The airline’s plans to “simplify” its fleet had started in 2021 when it sold one of its Dorniers to UK Government-backed ZeroAvia.
Last year it also sold its Embraer Jet, but that coincided with a run of bad luck for the airline which also saw a ‘wet lease’ contract for an ATR fail, with many peoples’ travel plans disrupted as Aurigny struggled to cope.
Aurigny’s CEO, Nico Bezuidenhout told Express that streamlining the airline’s fleet remained a good plan, and was its ongoing target.