Potential competitor Loganair was unsurprisingly told by the States Transport Licensing Authority at the end of last week that it was not minded to license the Scottish airline for the route. Instead of arguing its case, Loganair withdrew its application, and that to run between Guernsey and Southampton.
On Saturday Aurigny announced its summer schedule for Jersey, with two daily return trips and a flat fare of £69.99 each way, more than £10 cheaper than with Blue Islands before the airline went bust in November. Flights will leave Guernsey at 7.20am and 4.45pm, returning at 8.15 and 5.40. Sunday’s first flight out leaves at 8am.
Industry experts have questioned the decision to have a flat fare rather than a higher and lower option that would average out, without an off-peak flight option. The fares include free changes and hold luggage.
The higher fares that were being charged by Blue Islands have been seen as seriously damaging the route. The number of passengers has fallen from 95,000 in 2019 to some 65,000 in 2024.
A travel industry insider said that the heyday of inter-island travel, when business travel and shopping trips from Guernsey were popular and frequency was better, would be unlikely to return.
‘Everyone at the airline recognises the significance of the trust placed in us. We will be dedicated each and every day to deliver a much better and more reliable service than experienced on the route in recent years,’ said Philip Saunders, chief commercial officer at Aurigny.
‘Our mission will be to deliver real value-for-money that helps grow back connections between the communities of both islands.’
Aurigny will announce the timings of three flights a day to Southampton soon.
The Transport Licensing Authority considered submissions including from the Economic Development Committee and the Policy & Resources Committee.
President John Gollop said: ‘Evidence suggested strong competition on these routes would likely lead to it being unviable for all operators in the longer term.’
Vice-president Garry Collins added that the authority had considered the best interests of users and the island in the short and long term in coming to its decision.
‘This was of course a difficult decision, but I hope the community can be reassured it was considered carefully.’
Airline adds 10 extra services during Alderney Week
Aurigny, meanwhile, will be adding 10 extra services during Alderney Week this summer as part of its ongoing commitment to help as many visitors as possible experience all of the fun and excitement of the island’s largest and well-known annual event.
The additional services include two return flights between Southampton and Alderney and one between Guernsey and Alderney on Friday 31 July, Saturday 1 August and Sunday 9 August, and an extra return flight on both routes on Monday 10 August.
‘Once again, Aurigny is committed to playing its part in making Alderney Week a resounding success. We are pleased to be able to confirm this additional capacity well in advance,’ said chief commercial officer Philip Saunders.
‘We wish everyone a memorable experience during Alderney Week and look forward to getting the island’s guests to and from this wonderful highlight in the island’s calendar.’
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