‘Aurigny review should not forget about Alderney issues’ - Roberts

The island was buoyant at the prospect of a major airport and runway upgrade and being served by ATR aircraft, but with that project now abandoned and being reworked by the States of Guernsey after costs spiralled from £24m. to £37m., the island’s transport links are back up in the air.

Alderney States member Steve Roberts, one of the island’s representatives in the States of Guernsey, said the review should not ignore his island.

‘The En Voyage magazine says the Dorniers are part of Aurigny’s fleet,’ he said.

‘And they fly to Alderney which is full of taxpayers whose tax all goes to Guernsey, so they feel a little left out not to be part of the review.’

Mr Roberts said he had written to the States’ Trading Supervisory Board, which is staging the review, to ask why Alderney’s air issues were not being addressed.

‘While Guernsey has faced ATR issues, we have also faced issues with tech and crew problems on the Dorniers,' he said.

‘The tower is dropping debris and the runway is like a patchwork quilt.

‘The general public can’t get from Alderney to Guernsey. This is not just about tourism or shopping.

‘There is a very real problem, with people not being able to get to hospital appointments.’

Former Alderney States member Neil Harvey said that it was clear that the review had been driven by problems with the addition of new ATRs.

‘The opening paragraph of the terms of reference does not restrict the review to ATRs solely, referring to the “Aurigny network and fleet”, so that should encompass Dornier operations, but it would be preferable if that could be spelt out,’ he said.

The second part of the terms related to fleet transition, but Mr Harvey felt an extra key issue should have been added to the terms of reference for the review.

‘Why not a part to focus on the public service obligation to Alderney and the Dornier issues, particularly as the ATR enabling improvements to Alderney’s airport seem dead in the water?

'If a reviewer of experience and credibility is to be appointed, their recommendations on the Alderney routes could prove invaluable to deputies in Guernsey when they come to debate those issues in due course.’

Mr Harvey said there was a deal of concern in Alderney that in focusing on recent poor experiences with Aurigny, the States was ignoring Alderney’s longer-running problems.

‘No doubt someone will complain about ‘mission creep’,’ he said.

‘But we are helping pay for this review through our taxes, and I would prefer “not spoiling the ship for a ha’porth of tar”.’