Aurigny moves operations hub from Alderney

Currently four people are employed in the Alderney-based operation.

The airline confirmed the move after questions were raised in the States about what was happening and the lack of consultation.

‘Aurigny has taken this decision for several reasons, but predominantly to ensure that the airline’s operations run as smoothly as possible for the benefit of our customers,’ said CEO Mark Darby.

‘A small number of Aurigny’s staff will be affected by this move and, whilst any redundancies locally are regrettable, it is in the airline’s best long-term interests to ensure the optimal management of its operations. Critical decision-making will still be made from the Aurigny head office in Guernsey.’

Aurigny will be outsourcing its operations control centre to global aviation services group Air Partner, which is based near Gatwick Airport.

The move is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Air Partner has created a dedicated Aurigny team to run the day-to-day flight operations.

An advantage is said to be that the company can tap into its extended workforce for further support, if necessary, thereby offering the airline a more resilient service and greater staffing capacity, especially in times of disruption.

Mark Briffa, CEO at Air Partner, said: ‘We are delighted to be adding Aurigny to our extensive client base and have been working closely with the team on the ground to ensure a smooth handover in operations.

‘The airline is relied upon by many members of the Guernsey community and we look forward to providing them with our usual high customer service levels, which have become synonymous with Air Partner.’

Alderney representative Steve Roberts raised the lack of consultation on the issue in the States of Guernsey yesterday.

Neither Economic Development or the States’ Trading Supervisory Board, which is the political body responsible for it, had been consulted.

Alderney Policy & Finance committee chairman James Dent said: ‘We are very disappointed to learn that the Aurigny operations office will be leaving the Bailiwick.

‘The loss of these Alderney jobs will have a major impact not just on our own economy but on the wider Bailiwick’s economy.

‘We were not consulted and neither, I understand, was Economic Development in Guernsey.’

. Headquartered in Gatwick, Air Partner is listed on the London Stock Exchange and operates 24/7 year-round from its global office base. The group has more than 55 years of experience in the aviation industry and offers managed services as part of its work, which also includes aircraft charter, aircraft remarketing and consulting & training services.