Two smaller planes to replace Aurigny jet

The Aurigny jet will be replaced by two smaller turboprop planes

A Guernsey airline is planning to sell its only jet and replace it with two leased turboprop planes.

Aurigny said using more ATR 72-600 aircraft would help it progress with its five-year strategy to operate a "more streamlined and efficient service".

The airline said the changes would result in fewer disruptions to the airport schedule, and no redundancies would be made.

Nico Bezuidenhout, CEO of Aurigny Air Services, said it was trying to become a more cost-effective airline.

He said: "Providing customers with the most reliable service possible has always been our priority and we are confident that having a fleet made up of ATR 72s is the most efficient way to do this”.

“This project marks the beginning of a significant push towards running a more cost-effective and efficient airline, which will inevitably have a positive impact on the overall experience of our customers."

The airline said the changes had been approved by its owner the States of Guernsey.

Aurigny said the Turboprop aircrafts were better suited to shorter routes, were more environmentally friendly, and could be used for maintenance equipment and spare parts.

It said its ATRs "consumed 36% less fuel per passenger on the route between Guernsey and Gatwick compared to a jet aircraft".

Mr Bezuidenhout said although the passenger capacity would be smaller on the new planes, the overall capacity would "not be reduced".

He said: "We plan to have more daily flights to London, going from the current six to nine.

“We will also have flexibility to run regular flights to Paris, Manchester and Dublin and continue serving a range of popular European destinations."