Replacing Trislander fleet would cost island £15m.

TAXPAYERS could end up paying around £15m. to replace Aurigny's ageing Trislander fleet, the airline's new interim managing director has revealed.

While no funding plans have been drawn up, Mark Darby yesterday confirmed Aurigny would take proposals to the States this year to buy two or three aircraft in place of its six Trislanders.

That would work out at about £350 from each taxpayer.

The news comes after Treasury and Resources forecasted that the States-owned airline would make a loss of £1.36m. last year, following a shortfall of £725,000 in 2011 and just over £2m. in 2010.

Mr Darby, pictured, insisted the 2012 deficit was not as large as predicted, although he could not confirm the final amount because it was being audited.