Conflict between Aurigny and States must end
IT SEEMS that the CEO of the newly-named 'Donkey Airways' is unhappy with the recently completed report 'Security of Strategic Air Links' by the States of Guernsey's Scrutiny Committee. His complaint is that the Government-appointed panel went 'well beyond its terms of reference' commenting as it did on the operational and aspirational objectives of the airline.
This outburst is most unfortunate, particularly as I believe it represents Mark Darby exceeding his own terms of reference. Spelt out – it is not for the CEO, of what is effectively a public utility, to criticise his own employers in public.
It seems that Mr Darby just cannot come to terms with the relationship between the airline and the States of Guernsey.
Malcolm Coupar, their commercial director, correctly observes that a 'social' role often conflicts with a 'commercial' role. This is obvious to most observers, and it is implicit that this deep-seated misunderstanding by the airline and by the States of Guernsey cannot continue. There just has to be a battle royal between the airline's executive and their major shareholder, the States of Guernsey – and one of them has to win decisively for the airline to have any kind of future.
Words like 'profit', 'break even' have to be squeezed from their vocabulary. The airline is an essential 'service' not just to Alderney but to Guernsey as well.
If such a confrontation is unsuccessful, then part of the 'field of play' has to be cleared either with the removal and replacement of major players on one, or both sides. The status quo is no longer an option.
TONY HAYWOOD,
High Street,
Alderney.
Editor's footnote: Mark Darby, the CEO of Aurigny, responds: 'Both myself and the CEO of Blue Islands feel that the Scrutiny Committee report exceeded its remit. This isn't a criticism, it's an observation. Equally, it's important to note that Aurigny's press release setting out our response to the Scrutiny Committee's report had the backing of our board. We agree that Aurigny's ownership by the States of Guernsey must continue to protect the island's slots at London Gatwick, which was a key finding of the Scrutiny Committee's report. In fact, we agree with the vast majority of the 27 recommendations made by the committee. Aurigny's Board, including myself, enjoy a positive and close relationship with our sole shareholder, the States of Guernsey, and we are here to do exactly what it requires us to do. If, for example, that means running a service that benefits islanders' broader social needs then we will do it, but this will require a specific subsidy. The Scrutiny Committee's primary recommendation, that government would benefit from a lead department to enable a more joined up approach to air transport, is something we would welcome.'
