Aurigny needs to fix problems quickly, deputy says

Guernsey's state-owned airline has experienced a series of problems since December

The States of Guernsey may need to use emergency powers to tackle flight disruption, the deputy in charge of tourism has said.

Deputy Simon Vermeulen, tourism lead for Economic Development, said Aurigny's situation had deteriorated and the use of emergency powers was "not far off".

The States-owned airline has experienced a series of problems since December including delays, grounded aircraft and a plane leaving the runway.

Aurigny declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.

An aircraft left the runway at Guernsey Airport in December

Mr Vermeulen said of the situation: "This has just gone on too long.

"This is our government-owned airline and it's just getting worse and worse and worse."

Mr Vermeulen also criticised Aurigny's decision to sell its Embraer jet and lease aircraft and crews from other airlines, known as wet leases.

"We have a second-class fleet, in my opinion, with the worst service in decades," he said.

"You don't save money when you're spending millions on wet leases."

Mr Vermeulen rejected the airline's explanation that the issues had been caused by unforeseeable events.

"I don't buy that at all," he said.

"It is the management that is responsible... if something is wrong you fix it and you fix it fast."

'Very sad situation'

Mr Vermeulen said Guernsey may need to consider introducing another airline to improve reliability.

"We've given [Aurigny] route development money, the whole thing," he said.

"Look what's happened. It's come tumbling down. It's a very sad situation."

Peter Roffey, president of the States' Trading Supervisory Board (STSB), said performance at Aurigny needed to improve.

"As the shareholder on behalf of the States, the STSB has spelled out loud and clear to Aurigny that its current performance needs to improve, and needs to improve speedily," he said.

"I have no doubt that message has been heard and we will continue to reiterate it whenever we meet Aurigny to receive a progress report on its recovery plan."

'Never compromise safety'

Nico Bezuidenhout, CEO of Aurigny, has previously said the airline had a "clear plan in place" to recover its schedule despite recent difficulties.

He said but he offered his "sincere apologies" to passengers affected by delays.

"As an airline, we will never compromise safety," he said.

"We have to prioritise getting passengers to their destinations as booked, even if that means in some instances delaying flights."