Arrival of aircraft aims to 'overcome disruption'

A meeting was held between the States of Guernsey, Aurigny and Guernsey Ports on Wednesday to improve services following a series of cancellations and delays

Guernsey airline Aurigny said it was "confident" the arrival of another leased aircraft would "overcome disruption" following a series of cancellations and delays.

The States Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) met the leadership of Aurigny and Guernsey Ports on Wednesday to build an "enhanced level of co-operation".

It said the two businesses wanted to improve services to customers and to avoid "incidents like the absurd aborted trip" from Exeter to Guernsey on Sunday.

Deputy Peter Roffey said a further meeting was held with Aurigny chairman Kevin George and CEO Nico Bezuidenhout and he reinforced the frustrations that islanders and businesses have expressed in recent weeks.

'Immediate beneficial impact'

Deputy Roffey said the service both during this time, and earlier in the year, had "fallen far below what islanders had a right to expect".

He added: “We have made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that the level of disruption that has occurred during the airline’s ongoing fleet transition has been unacceptable.

"It has exposed a lack of resilience and that has impacted a lot of islanders and local businesses."

He said the airline's management took active steps when they were hit by disruption earlier this year and the company had seen "marked improvements" in June and July.

“I am pleased that the airline has managed to secure another wet lease aircraft which should be in service next week and that will hopefully have an immediate beneficial impact," said Deputy Roffey.

A flight from Exeter to Guernsey was diverted back to the UK on Sunday night and Deputy Roffey said he was confident an event like that would not be repeated.

"I can only reiterate once again my profound apologies to all those who were affected," he added.