Blue Islands has doubts over value of ‘fog-busting’ aircraft
AIRLINE Blue Islands has no plans to buy new ‘fog-busting’ aircraft of the type identified by Aurigny as ‘game changer’ planes for Guernsey.
State-owned airline Aurigny has put down a fully refundable reservation fee for three new ATR-72 600s fitted with technology to enable landing in poor visibility – with the aircraft expected to replace the three ATR 72-500s operated by the firm.
The move would ensure Aurigny’s fleet was ‘fit for purpose’ while cutting disruption and having a ‘positive effect’ on its financial position, according to the airline. Nor would it seek any capital investment for the new planes, which are made by ATR, from the States of Guernsey.
However, Blue Islands CEO Rob Veron said: ‘The ClearVision technology in question is currently at prototype stage with ATR and is uncertified, as such it is yet to be deployed in an operational or commercial environment. Naturally, we watch with interest all such developments in our business area.
‘We note that Aurigny suggest this major investment “could help, some of the time”.
‘Given the strict safety limitations when operating in fog, improvements, if any, in permitted tolerances are totally unknown and could vary by airfield, therefore Blue Islands do not intend to follow a similar re-fleeting strategy at this time.’
However, support for Aurigny’s plans has come from leading Guernsey businessman and venture capitalist Jon Moulton.
‘I think the airline is really quite fortunate that ATR are really quite short of orders.
‘They’re able to be a bit more flexible as to when they get into the queue,’ said Mr Moulton.
‘But if a decision isn’t taken shortly, I would imagine that ATR will actually have enough orders in hand to be a bit rougher with the airline.
‘There is very little choice. The island is actually somewhat unfortunate in its size and the nature of its routes as to what it can handle. The ideal plane for the island would be something like a 120-seater turboprop, but it doesn’t exist.’
Mr Moulton, a former chairman of Aurigny, added: ‘The ATR is the best answer they have with its improved blind landing facility, that’s a particular benefit for the island.’
