Guernsey airlinks review: Aurigny 'must remain States owned'

Deputy Gavin St Pier said evidence gathered in the review would be checked and recommendations would go forward to the States.

Guernsey's Treasury Minister says airline Aurigny must remain in States ownership to safeguard future flights.

Deputy Gavin St Pier was speaking at the third public hearing of a review into the island's strategic air links by the Scrutiny Committee.

It was set up to examine how secure they are and if they can be improved.

One of the Alderney representatives in the States, Louis Jean, claimed the vital impact on Alderney's economy has been forgotten.

The review began after concerns were raised last year by politicians and business leaders about the security of the air links.

Auringy is the only airline to serve Alderney. Its chair recently defended criticism, saying it does the provide the islands with reliable routes at affordable prices.

In December 2014 the States of Guernsey agreed to fund replacements for its planes, after Aurigny said it was facing high maintenance costs and rising unreliability.

'Higher cost'

At the latest hearing, Mr Jean said there needs to be a change in mindset from the government in Guernsey to take the focus off profit.

"The large thing that's been forgotten in all of this is the strength of the Alderney economy and it is weak through resistance to travel through higher cost, much higher than Guernsey" he said.

Deputy Gavin St Pier said: "We've understood Aurigny must stay in public hands - there's no other way of safeguarding the slots.

"We now have that government position on record, so the government is committed to safeguarding the interest of Alderney."

He added that the hearing had confirmed there is "no co-ordinated policy that exists currently".