More ATR 72 instead of Embraer E195: Aurigny want to get rid of their only jet

When British United Airlines discontinued this route in 1968, former military pilot Derek Bailey decided to start his own airline. As a resident of the Channel island of Alderney, he ensured that he and the rest of the population maintained rapid communication with the main island of Guernsey, some 40 kilometers to the south-west. Aurigny Air Services was born.

The airline became so important to the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which includes the islands of Alderney and Sark as well as Guernsey, that the state took it over in 2003. At that time, British Airways discontinued the connection between the main island and London-Gatwick. The local airline had to take over the task on behalf of the government.

To London and back four times a day

In 2014, Aurigny purchased its first and only aircraft for the race track after competitor Flybe abandoned the track. The Embraer E195 with G-NSEY registration currently flies four times daily on the route between Guernsey and London Gatwick. But this will end soon. Because the regional airline decided to phase out the planes. The last flights are scheduled for January 2.

Since its acquisition, the Embraer E195 has allowed for increased capacity on the busiest route, Origny said. I was also able to experience flights to different European destinations. However, since the goal is to improve “efficiency and reliability,” it makes sense to rely on a standard fleet. The airline wants to replace the plane with two other ATR 72 aircraft, three of which it already owns.

All goals are still achievable

Nico Bezuidenhout, president of Orini, told the newspaper that this step saves maintenance costs because you need fewer tools and spare parts. Guernsey Press. In addition, two cockpit crews and technical staff are no longer needed. Last but not least, in the event of a breakdown, a replacement aircraft can be obtained more quickly.

The ATR 72s are also better suited to the shorter routes in the network, Bezuidenhout says. You can also use it to reach all previously served destinations on the continent. The airline currently flies to Alderney, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds, London, Manchester and Southampton year-round and seasonally to Dublin, Grenoble, Ibiza and Malaga.

And in the future also to London

However, criticism is already emerging on the island. Since the ATR 72 has only 72 seats compared to the E195 which has 122, Aurigny is reducing the supply to London and this leads to higher prices. The airline’s president, Bezuidenhout, opposes this. The number of seats will be kept constant because in the future, in addition to Gatwick Airport, we will also fly to London City.

In addition to the ATR 72, Aurigny also has two Dornier Do 288 NG aircraft. They are used exclusively for the three daily trips to the neighboring island of Alderney. This is also where the name of the airline comes from – its Norman name.