Loganair is pushing for competition on two of Guernsey’s essential air routes.
It has applied for licences to fly between Guernsey and Southampton and Guernsey and Jersey, having stepped in at short notice to service both routes in the immediate aftermath of Blue Islands’ collapse.
The Southampton route was previously operated as a codeshare between Aurigny and Blue Islands with no other competition on the route to protect it as it is an essential service for medical flights.
The inter-island route was operated as an ‘open skies’ route until Blue Islands grounded all of its plans and went into liquidation. Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development then made it a ‘life line’ link meaning a licence is needed to fly between the two islands, to safeguard the service in the longterm.
Both Loganair and Aurigny have applied for licences to fly between Guernsey and Jersey with Loganair also applying for a licence to fly Guernsey-Southampton, which Aurigny is already allowed to do.
All three licence applications are subject to public consultations, with views welcome until this Friday on Aurigny’s inter-island application, and Loganair’s Southampton application.
Comments can be submitted on Loganair’s application for the inter-island route until 15 December.
Luke Farajallah, CEO of Loganair, firmly believes there is ample room for two operators on the routes to and from Guernsey for which it has applied.
He said a competitive, multi-carrier environment will strengthen long-term resilience, improve affordability, and safeguard essential connectivity.
Mr Farajallah also confirmed that Loganair will be seeking no financial support from the States of Guernsey.
“We have had constructive and positive meetings with the States of Guernsey, details of which have remained confidential due to the sensitive nature of our licence application,” he said. “At this point in the process, and with the public consultation active, I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate our position.
“Reliable, year‑round air links between Guernsey, Jersey and the UK are not simply convenient, they are lifeline services for families, businesses, healthcare, and community groups.
“Loganair’s 63 year heritage means it is naturally well-positioned to provide the support needed to the people of Guernsey. But what really stands us apart is being the UK’s only privately owned, debt-free regional airline operating at scale. With a nationwide footprint and seamless access to the British Airways global network through our codeshare partnership, we offer Bailiwick residents and visitors unmatched choice, reliability, and connectivity. Islanders can count on both lifeline services and world-class travel opportunities, a combination no other regional carrier can provide.”