Aurigny confirms that sale of Embraer jet is ‘likely’
Aurigny has confirmed it is ‘likely’ the Embraer jet will be sold and replaced with two leased ATRs next year.
Selling the jet has been backed by the States’ Trading Supervisory Board.
No redundancies would be made, and staff can retrain on ATR aircraft, as the airline moves towards streamlining its fleet.
The statement followed the Guernsey Press revealing yesterday that the Embraer was not listed as flying after 2 January.
Aurigny declined to be interviewed on Wednesday, but put out a statement detailing the airline’s five-year strategy.
It confirmed that STSB had approved the strategy, which would see airline primarily operate ATR 72-600 aircraft.
The airline currently has three of these 72-seater aircraft, as well as the 122-seat Embraer 195 jet.
‘The project would likely see its sale to make room for two additional leased ATR 72s,’ the airline stated.
‘Since its purchase in 2014, the Embraer has provided increased capacity on the London Gatwick route, the airline’s busiest, and enabled trials of services to various European destinations.
‘However, as Aurigny strives to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its service, consistently operating the same aircraft type is a crucial step forward.’
Aurigny’s CEO Nico Bezuidenhout said the project would rebalance the airline’s fleet.
‘Providing customers with the most reliable service possible has always been our priority and we are confident that having a fleet made up of ATR 72s is the most efficient way to do this,’ he said.
He said the project was the beginning of a significant push towards running a more cost-effective and efficient airline.
‘[This] will inevitably have a positive impact on the overall experience of our customers.’
The airline said that having primarily ATR 72 aircraft would streamline the use of maintenance equipment and the supply of spare parts.
It would also eliminate the need for Aurigny to maintain a roster of pilots and technicians qualified to operate two different types of aircraft.
And it would simplify the process of replacing a grounded aircraft with a stand-by plane.
The airline also stated that ATR 72s were better suited to the shorter routes operated by Aurigny and would reduce fuel usage per passenger.
All European routes currently offered by Aurigny will still be able to operate as they are within the 1,023-mile range of ATR 72 aircraft.
Replacing the jet with two ATRs will keep seat numbers stable, and the airline recently confirmed it will offer regular services to London City to keep seat capacity on the London route.
‘We will also have flexibility to run regular flights to Paris, Manchester and Dublin and continue serving a range of popular European destinations,’ Mr Bezuidenhout said.
‘Many of these destinations are within the ideal range of an ATR 72, but should a jet aircraft be more appropriate, we still have the option to charter one whenever needed.’
The transition is expected to conclude in 2024.
