P&R review into island's expectations for Aurigny

While the need for a review was established by Policy & Resources in May, there has been weeks of unrest over the island's air travel, including prolonged and growing criticism over the States-owned airline's Alderney service.

Recently P&R president Gavin St Pier said consideration had been given to the concept of a 'public service obligation' service for Alderney and this could provide an opportunity for an operator to rival Aurigny for the contract.

The new review will address long-term policy and economic aims for the States-owned airline as a whole, as well as short-term action to enhance how it supports 'business development'.

As well as the tensions in Alderney, concerns were also raised earlier this year when Aurigny pulled out of the Jersey route, following the joint decision with Blue Islands to end the inter-island code-share agreement.

Policy & Resources vice-president Lyndon Trott, who will lead the review, said that, as shareholder, the States of Guernsey must be very clear on what its expectations were for Aurigny.

'For example, as a Bailiwick do we want Aurigny's focus to be on ensuring it is a commercially viable company, or does it best serve our community by being an economic enabler regardless of profitability?

'That strategic direction is essential,' he said. 'We have liaised with Aurigny in recent months and its management is supportive of the review and committed to working with the States of Guernsey to ensure air link services meet the needs of our community, both now and in the future.'