Aurigny
{{Short description|Guernsey airline}}
{{about|the airline|text="Aurigny" is also the French word for the island of Alderney.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox airline
| image_size = 200
| airline = Aurigny Air Services
| logo = Aurigny logo.svg
| image = Aurigny Air Services, G-VZON, ATR 72-500 (49586042227).jpg
| caption = An Aurigny ATR 72-500
| ICAO = AUR
| callsign = AYLINE
| aoc = 373
| hubs =
| focus_cities = Saint Anne
| frequent_flyer = Aurigny Frequent Flyer
| fleet_size = 7
| destinations = 14
| parent =
| num_employees = 280
| founded = *24 January 1964 as Glos Air Ltd
- 19 February 1968 as Aurigny Air Services Ltd
| headquarters = Guernsey Airport, Forest, Guernsey, Channel Islands
| key_people = * Sir Derrick Bailey, founder
| profit = {{increase}} {{colour|green|£4.2 million}} (2022)
| website = {{URL|www.aurigny.com}}
}}
Aurigny Air Services Limited (pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɔːr|ɪ|n|i}}), commonly known as Aurigny, is the flag carrier{{cite press release |author= |title=Hahn Air's new partner Aurigny now available in 190 markets |url=https://www.hahnair.com/en/ticketing/news/2014-10-08/hahn-air-s-new-partner-aurigny-now-available-190-markets |publisher=Hahn Air |date=8 October 2014 |access-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018175543/https://www.hahnair.com/en/ticketing/news/2014-10-08/hahn-air-s-new-partner-aurigny-now-available-190-markets |archive-date=18 October 2014 |url-status=dead}} airline of the Bailiwick of Guernsey with its head office next to Guernsey Airport in the Channel Islands,"[http://www.aurigny.com/html/en/contact.asp?lang=en Contact us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707185344/http://www.aurigny.com/html/en/contact.asp?lang=en |date=2011-07-07 }}." Aurigny Air Services. Retrieved on 12 February 2011. "Aurigny AirServices Ltd States Airport La Planque Lane Forest Guernsey, GY8 OTD Channel Islands." and wholly owned by the States of Guernsey since nationalisation in 2003. It operates regular passenger and freight services to the Channel Islands, France, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Its main base is situated next to Guernsey Airport, with other aircraft and crew based at Alderney Airport. Aurigny is one of the longest serving regional airlines in the world, and is the second oldest established airline in Britain after Loganair. The origin of its name lies in the cognate across Norman languages for Alderney.
History
=Early years=
File:Aurigny Air Services Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk3-2 Trislander Haafke-1.jpg
Aurigny Air Services was founded by Sir Derrick Bailey and started operations on March 1, 1968 after British United Airways withdrew from the Alderney to Guernsey route. It initially operated Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, developing a highly efficient network linking the Channel Islands with each other and with France and the United Kingdom.{{Cite magazine | title = UK & Ireland Airlines Guide 2011 | page =3 |magazine= Airliner World | date = March 2011}} During the first year of operations, the airline carried 45,000 passengers between Guernsey, Jersey, and Alderney.
Aurigny became the first commercial operator of the Britten-Norman Trislander in July 1971; the airline remained the world's largest operator of the type until its retirement. Use of this larger aircraft enabled the route structure to be developed to include the south coast of England and northern France. In 1977, Aurigny banned smoking on all services, the first ever airline to do so. In 1979, it acquired Anglo Normandy Aviation, which was established in 1975.{{cite web | url = https://airlinehistory.co.uk/airline/anglo-normandy-aviation/ | title = Anglo Normandy Aviation | publisher = Airline History | access-date = 2 August 2021 | archive-date = 2 August 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210802145235/https://airlinehistory.co.uk/airline/anglo-normandy-aviation/ | url-status = live }} In 1993, Aurigny won a contract to carry mail between the Channel Islands and the UK and in 1999 it began daily services between Guernsey–London Stansted Airport and Amsterdam Airport operated by Saab 340 aircraft. The latter route was later dropped due to poor demand, but marked its transition from a local carrier to a regional airline.
=Regional transition=
File:Short 360 Aurigny Air Services G-OAAS GCI July 1995.jpg in July 1995. The airline no longer operates the type.]]
Ownership of the airline passed from Aurigny Aviation Holdings to Close Brothers Private Equity on 23 May 2000, but was wholly acquired by States of Guernsey on 15 May 2003, after British Airways announced that it was to cease flying on the London Gatwick–Guernsey route (just two months before the Island Games). It employs 280 staff in the Channel Islands, France, and the United Kingdom.{{cite news | title= Directory: World Airlines | work= Flight International | page= 80 | date= 2007-03-27}} Aurigny also operates charter services, and is a handling agent for various other airlines which fly into Guernsey, including Blue Islands.
In June 2006, a survey by market researchers islandopinion.com showed that Aurigny was the most popular airline which served Guernsey. On 21 June 2007, Aurigny got permission from its sole shareholder, the States of Guernsey, to raise a private loan to purchase two new ATR 72-500 aircraft, which entered service in March 2009. Aurigny celebrated 40 years in operation in 2008. It was voted 4th-best short-haul airline in a poll published in the consumer magazine Which?. In a survey of 30,000 members the magazine examined 71 airlines and asked readers to rate each carrier for standards of check-in, cabin staff, cleanliness, food and entertainment.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
In March 2009, the airline announced that it was to operate a Jersey – London Stansted route, whilst restarting the Guernsey and East Midlands link. Daily flights commenced from 1 May 2009. The frequency of flights from Guernsey – London Gatwick was increased from four to five daily return flights that day. In August 2009, Aurigny announced that it would be operating winter flights to Grenoble using its ATR 72-500 aircraft. The flights ran from 26 December 2009 to midway through February 2010. This was repeated for the 2010/2011 winter season, but flights were continued until March. The extension did not prove viable and the previous length of operation has been restored since the 2011/2012 season.{{cite news|title=Aurigny reduces Guernsey-Grenoble service|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-14807087|work=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2012|date=6 September 2011|archive-date=1 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101100447/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-14807087|url-status=live}} Thanks to the change, it noted that demand was stronger due to a decreased period of availability.{{cite news|title=Guernsey to Grenoble route 'more popular'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-16318080|work=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2012|date=24 December 2011|archive-date=1 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201042828/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-16318080|url-status=live}}
=Recent history=
File:G-COBO Taxi.jpg taxiing at Guernsey Airport in May 2009]]
File:G-FTSE Trislander Aurigny Air Services (7003405361).jpg
It was revealed in July 2010 that Blue Islands was planning to buy Aurigny, and was undergoing a due diligence process with the Treasury and Resources department of the States of Guernsey. This sparked major debate throughout the islands, and a Facebook page in opposition to the proposed buy-out gained 530 members. On 14 September, Treasury and Resources announced that the sale would not go ahead.{{cite web |url=http://www.blueislands.com |title=Agreed deal in principle to take over Aurigny |publisher=Blue Islands |access-date=15 March 2012 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501160415/https://www.blueislands.com/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-10636450 |title=Aurigny Air Services could be sold to Blue Islands |work=BBC News |date=14 July 2010 |access-date=15 March 2012 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102031249/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-10636450 |url-status=live }}
Blue Islands' withdrawal from Alderney on 9 May 2011 left Aurigny with a monopoly on that island for the first time in over a decade. However, it was criticised later that year for cutting the number of flights to Southampton,{{cite news|title=Aurigny makes cuts to Alderney-Southampton flights|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-14589154|access-date=22 January 2012|work=BBC News|date=22 August 2011|archive-date=1 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101052435/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-14589154|url-status=live}} not lowering prices{{cite news|title=Aurigny's Alderney flight prices 'will never come down'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-14948611|work=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2012|date=17 September 2011|archive-date=19 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919120852/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-14948611|url-status=live}} and reducing services to twice daily over that winter; Malcolm Hart later reaffirmed its commitment to the route and admitted that encouraging passengers to fly via Guernsey had been 'the biggest mistake in Aurigny's recent history'.{{cite news|title=Aurigny 'not to blame' for shortage of visitors|url=http://www.alderneypress.com|newspaper=Alderney Press|date=January 2012|access-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911193717/http://alderneypress.com/|archive-date=11 September 2017|url-status=dead}} At the end of 2011, Aurigny rolled out the first GPS approach system in Europe (based on the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, for use by its Trislanders at Alderney and Southampton airports, in co-operation with EUROCONTROL, allowing flights in lower visibility and in poorer weather.{{cite news|title=Aurigny rolls out system for Alderney and Southampton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-16186715|work=BBC News|access-date=22 January 2012|date=23 December 2011|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102031254/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-16186715|url-status=live}}
In October 2013, Mark Darby joined the company as CEO after six months as a non-executive director.{{cite news|title=Guernsey airline Aurigny appoints Mark Darby as permanent CEO|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-24090354|access-date=14 March 2016|publisher=BBC|date=15 September 2013|archive-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129050921/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-24090354|url-status=live}} He would initiate an eight-week trial for the Dornier 228 as a replacement for the Trislander fleet, on lease from Aero VIP (Portugal), and later the purchase of four such aircraft (two older and two NG variants). Three aircraft arrived during the course of 2014 and 2015, with another due from manufacturer RUAG in 2017.{{cite news|title=RUAG acquires new customer for the Dornier 228|url=http://www.ruag.com/group/media/media-releases/news/ruag-acquires-new-customer-for-the-dornier-228/27ccaf5bdc12fedc03e1da08fe24a57d/|access-date=14 March 2016|publisher=RUAG Group|date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527003340/http://www.ruag.com/group/media/media-releases/news/ruag-acquires-new-customer-for-the-dornier-228/27ccaf5bdc12fedc03e1da08fe24a57d/|archive-date=27 May 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Aurigny Dornier 'should' arrive in Alderney in October|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-29423354|access-date=14 March 2016|publisher=BBC|date=30 September 2014|archive-date=30 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130022505/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-29423354|url-status=live}}
After Flybe announced its withdrawal from the London Gatwick – Guernsey route by March 2014, Aurigny ordered an Embraer 195 to serve its Gatwick route in order to provide sufficient capacity as the sole operator. The aircraft was delivered on 24 June 2014, and a similar aircraft was wet leased from Flybe between March and June to provide capacity in the interim.{{cite news|title=Aurigny order plane for Gatwick route|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-23646336|access-date=13 August 2013|work=BBC News|date=12 August 2013|archive-date=15 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815054609/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-23646336|url-status=live}} Given substantial government investment in fleet acquisition, and its monopoly position on the Gatwick route, an agreement between the airline and the States of Guernsey struck in April 2014 saw it commit to offer 65% of fares for £65.00 or less.{{cite news|title=Aurigny and Treasury strike deal over Gatwick fares|url=http://guernseypress.com/news/2014/04/30/aurigny-and-treasury-strike-deal-over-gatwick-fares/|access-date=14 March 2016|publisher=BBC|date=30 April 2014|archive-date=15 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315034601/http://guernseypress.com/news/2014/04/30/aurigny-and-treasury-strike-deal-over-gatwick-fares/|url-status=live}} Additionally, in January 2014 Aurigny applied to the States of Guernsey to operate a Guernsey – London City service, with an aim of starting the route from May.{{cite news|title=Guernsey airline to expand route to London City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-25927734|access-date=12 February 2014|work=BBC News|date=28 January 2014|archive-date=30 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130153837/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-25927734|url-status=live}} Due to delays in aircraft procurement, the route commenced on 8 September 2014, initially operated by VLM Airlines.{{cite web|title=Aurigny launches London City to Guernsey service|url=http://www.londoncityairport.com/news/readarticle/aurigny-launches-london-city-to-guernsey-service|website=London City Airport|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=15 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315040935/http://www.londoncityairport.com/news/readarticle/aurigny-launches-london-city-to-guernsey-service|url-status=live}}
After ten years of competition with Blue Islands on the Jersey – Guernsey inter-island route, in March 2014 Aurigny signed a codeshare agreement with that airline pertaining to Jersey – Guernsey inter-island services. The deal, which marked the cessation of Aurigny flights from Jersey for the first time since 1969, saw Blue Islands take over all flying on the route and Aurigny oversee ground-handling of Blue Islands flights in Guernsey. Each airline sold 50% of available seats, and the contract was initially signed for two years. In January 2016, Aurigny and Blue Islands announced the contract for the codeshare would not be renewed, after Blue Islands became a franchise partner with Flybe and restrictions on the latter's inter-island operation were lifted by the States of Guernsey the previous year.{{cite web |url=http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/43262-aurigny-blue-islands-to-end-inter-island-codeshare-flights |title=Aurigny, Blue Islands to end inter-island codeshare flights |website=ch-aviation |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=20 January 2016 |archive-date=25 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125230755/http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/43262-aurigny-blue-islands-to-end-inter-island-codeshare-flights |url-status=live }}
File:ATR 42-500 of Aurigny Air Services (G-HUET) takes off from Bristol Airport, England 8Sept2016 arp.jpg of Aurigny Air Services takes off from Bristol Airport, England (2016).]]
In April 2015, Aurigny acquired an ATR 42-500 on dry lease from Nordic Aviation Capital for use on London City – Guernsey services, and as a back-up aircraft.{{cite press release |author= |url=http://www.aviator.aero/press_releases/22768 |title=New Aurigny ATR 42-500 to fly the Guernsey to London City route |website=www.aviator.aero |publisher=Aurigny Air Services |date=22 April 2015 |access-date=21 October 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115120/http://www.aviator.aero/press_releases/22768 |url-status=live }} In December of that year, Aurigny announced a new year-round route from Guernsey to Leeds Bradford (commencing 27 May 2016), and a summer seasonal service to Norwich (commencing 14 May 2016), using its ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.{{cite press release |author= |title=Aurigny announces new Norwich to Guernsey service |url=https://www.norwichairport.co.uk/news/aurigny-announces-new-norwich-to-guernsey-service/ |publisher=Norwich International Airport |date=20 December 2015 |access-date=20 December 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222091623/https://www.norwichairport.co.uk/news/aurigny-announces-new-norwich-to-guernsey-service/ |archive-date=22 December 2015}}{{cite web |url=https://www.scci.org.uk/2015/12/aurigny-to-launch-a-new-service-to-guernsey-from-leeds-bradford-airport/ |title=Aurigny to launch a new service to Guernsey from Leeds Bradford Airport |website=scci.org.uk |publisher=Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry |date=15 December 2015 |access-date=20 December 2015 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222105749/https://www.scci.org.uk/2015/12/aurigny-to-launch-a-new-service-to-guernsey-from-leeds-bradford-airport/ |url-status=live }} In February 2016, Aurigny announced that it would operate a summer seasonal service from Guernsey to Barcelona, to be operated by its Embraer 195 over four weekends from 23 July to 13 August 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/channel/update/2016-02-10/aurigny-announces-new-flights-from-guernsey-to-barcelona/ |title=Aurigny announces new flights from Guernsey to Barcelona |website=ITV News |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=13 February 2016 |archive-date=13 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213090213/http://www.itv.com/news/channel/update/2016-02-10/aurigny-announces-new-flights-from-guernsey-to-barcelona/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, it applied to operate a summer seasonal service between Guernsey and London Luton from March 2017.
In November 2015, the States of Guernsey agreed to recapitalise Aurigny's holding company, Cabernet Ltd, by paying off £25m of existing and expected debt.{{cite news|title=Aurigny's debts to be paid off by Guernsey States|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-34933466|access-date=14 March 2016|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2015|archive-date=24 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124141425/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-34933466|url-status=live}} The airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the States of Guernsey and the States of Alderney, putting in place a system of communication between the three parties as well as a basic service level agreement, in February 2016.{{cite web|title=Memorandum of Understanding - Alderney Air Services - 2016|url=http://www.alderney.gov.gg/article/151713/Memorandum-of-Understanding---Alderney-Air-Services---2016|website=States of Alderney|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=15 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315033903/http://www.alderney.gov.gg/article/151713/Memorandum-of-Understanding---Alderney-Air-Services---2016|url-status=live}}
Aurigny announced new accessibility initiatives as of October 2024, including improved aisle seats, armrests, and ramps. The updates aim to create a more accommodating travel experience for passengers of different abilities.{{Cite web |title=Aurigny invests £300,000 to improve passenger mobility access |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx25wjj17pno |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}
Corporate affairs
=Ownership and structure=
Cabernet Ltd is the 100% holding company for the Aurigny Group, which consists of Aurigny Air Services and Anglo Normandy Aero Engineering.{{cite web|title=Cabernet 2015 Accounts|url=https://www.aurignybeta.com/news/cabernet-2015-accounts|website=Aurigny|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224073524/https://www.aurigny.com/news/cabernet-2015-accounts|url-status=live}} The holding company is itself 100% owned by "The States of Guernsey acting by and through the States Trading Supervisory Board".{{cite news|title=Annual Report 2015|url=https://www.aurignybeta.com/storage/app/media/uploaded-files/2015%20accounts.pdf|access-date=20 September 2017|publisher=Aurigny|date=26 June 2016|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224073526/https://static.aurigny.com/cms/media/uploaded-files/2015%20accounts.pdf|url-status=live}}
=Business trends=
The airline has been loss-making for a number of years; however its services have been viewed as essential to Guernsey's economy, etc. A May 2017 strategic review{{who|date=June 2024}} said "that Aurigny’s objectives should focus on supporting economic enablement and providing a backbone of air services to support the Bailiwick [of Guernsey]’s economy and its growth, providing access to affordable air travel to the UK."{{cite web|title=Aurigny Strategic Review Report|url=https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=108203&p=0|website=Guernsey|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921193849/https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=108203&p=0|url-status=live}}
Trading figures have been released for Cabernet Ltd (that is, the Aurigny Group), with promises of increasing transparency. The key trends over recent years, from annual accounts and press statements, are shown below (for years ending 31 December):
=Criticism=
On 9 June 2017, Aurigny withdrew Alderney's medevac service outside of normal hours, meaning the island's residents could only be transferred to hospital during working hours. Outside of normal hours, medical transfers became the responsibility of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The airline blamed a lack of staff, and The States of Guernsey said it was trying to work with Aurigny to address the issue.{{cite web |date=9 June 2017 |title=Aurigny withdraw Medevac service out of hours |url=http://www.itv.com/news/channel/2017-06-09/aurigny-withdraw-medivac-service-out-of-hours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034233/http://www.itv.com/news/channel/2017-06-09/aurigny-withdraw-medivac-service-out-of-hours/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |access-date=18 November 2017 |website=ITV News}}
In February 2020, the President of the States of Alderney William Tate told a meeting of the UK Parliament's All-Parliamentary Channel Islands Group, "We have an airline which is state-owned and operated by Aurigny. It was started in Alderney 51 years ago and, without going into all the whys and wherefores, that service is unlikely to be provided in the future in the same way that it has been historically. So we’re going to be faced with a reduction in our capacity which will seriously damage our economic prospects. Half of the seats on the Southampton to Alderney service are filled by tourists. That service could well end. And anyone wishing to visit Alderney will have to visit via Guernsey. That’s a massive disincentive economically."{{cite web |date=13 February 2020 |title=Alderney President calls for 'clarity' on finance and air links |url=https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2020-02-13/alderney-president-calls-for-clarity-on-finance-and-air-links/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218213450/https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2020-02-13/alderney-president-calls-for-clarity-on-finance-and-air-links/ |archive-date=18 February 2020 |access-date=2020-02-24 |website=ITV News |language=en}}
In April 2022 during the Easter holiday season, several circumstances caused the Alderney service to be cancelled for at least two days. It was stated that one Dornier was out of action for routine maintenance and the second out of action as a part of the aircraft broke: which according to Aurigny had never occurred before. There was a strong backlash from those who were booked on for the flights affected. Many were transferred by ferry to and from Guernsey. Alex Snowdon, an Alderney deputy, blamed the two plane system for this occurrence, saying "It is essential that new options are looked at and assessed because we cannot be served with just two small planes. Whether that be an increase in small planes, a different type of small planes or the Aurigny strategy over a longer runway, using the ATR which would give increased capacity." Aurigny said: "The Dornier are the correct aircraft for the route at this time."{{Cite web | url=https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2022-04-19/aurigny-apologises-for-unprecedented-flight-cancellations-over-easter | title=Aurigny apologises for 'unprecedented' flight cancellations over Easter | date=19 April 2022 }}
Destinations
=Destinations=
As of October 2024, Aurigny serves the following destinations:{{cite web |url=https://www.aurigny.com/destinations |title=Destinations |website=Aurigny |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811063654/https://www.aurigny.com/destinations |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;" |
| Country
!City/region !Airport !Notes !Refs |
|---|
| rowspan="2"|France
|{{Airline seasonal}} |
| Paris
| | |
| rowspan="2"|Guernsey
|{{airline focus}} | |
| Guernsey
|{{Airline hub}} | |
| Ireland
|{{Airline seasonal}} | |
| rowspan="13"|United Kingdom
| | |
| Bristol
| | |
| Exeter
| | |
| Edinburgh
|{{Airline seasonal}} | |
| Leeds/Bradford
| | |
| rowspan="2"|London
| | |
| London City Airport
| | |
| Manchester
| | |
| Southampton
| | |
Fleet
=Current fleet=
As of July 2024, the Aurigny Air Services fleet consists of:{{Cite web|url=https://www.caa.co.uk/aircraft-register/g-info/search-g-info/|title=Search the G-INFO aircraft register | Civil Aviation Authority|website=www.caa.co.uk}}
| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|+ Aurigny Air Services fleet |
| Aircraft
!In !Orders !Passengers !Notes |
|---|
| Dornier 228 NG
|2 |— |19 | |
| ATR 72-600
|5{{Cite https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn42ryjyg9lo web|url=https://guernseypress.com/news/2024/06/01/aurignys-jet-bids-the-island-a-final-farewell/|title = Aurigny's jet bids the island a final farewell | date= 1 June 2024 | accessdate = 2 June 2024}} |— |72 |3 aircraft built with ClearVision™️ external fog cameras{{Cite web|url=https://guernseypress.com/news/2022/03/23/all-of-aurignys-atrs-now-operating-fog-busting-kit/|title = All of Aurigny's ATRs now operating fog-busting kit | date= 23 March 2022| accessdate = 2 June 2024}} |
| Total
!7 !0 ! colspan="2" | |
=Historical fleet=
| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|+ Aurigny's former fleet{{Cite web|url=https://www.jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2017/05/13/final-flight-nears-for-aurignys-last-trislander/|title = Final flight nears for Aurigny's last Trislander | date= 13 May 2017| accessdate = 2 June 2024}} !Aircraft !Number !Introduced !Retired |
| ATR 42-500
|align=center|2 |align=center|2008 |align=center|2020 |
| ATR 72-202
|align=center|3 |align=center|2003 |align=center|2016 |
| ATR 72-211
|align=center|3 |align=center|2003 |align=center|2014 |
| ATR 72-500
|align=center|3 |align=center|2009 |align=center|2020 |
| British Aerospace 146
|align=center|1 |align=center|2003 |align=center|2004 |
| Britten-Norman Trislander
|align=center|15 |align=center|1971 |align=center|2017 |
| De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
|align=center|2 |align=center|1980 |align=center|1984 |
| Embraer 195
|align=center|1 |align=center|2014 |align=center|2024 |
| Saab 340
|align=center|6 |align=center|1999 |align=center|2005 |
| Short 360
|align=center|Unknown |align=center|Unknown |align=center|2006 |
=Fleet development=
File:Saab340.arp.600pix.jpg in 2003, sporting an older livery.]]
File:G-JOEY.jpg G-JOEY - made famous by the "Joey Club" (founded in 1986) and book series - landing at Guernsey Airport]]
The airline formerly operated the following aircraft types: the ATR 42-500 (retired 2020), the ATR 72-500, 3 Dornier 228s (1 more was used for trials in 2013),{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-24881252 | title=Guernsey owned airline Aurigny to trial Dornier planes | work=BBC News | date=10 November 2013 }} the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter (retired by mid-1980s), the Short 360 (retired 2006) and the Saab 340 (retired early 2000s) as well as leasing a British Aerospace 146 (for summer 2003 charters) and a Boeing 737-300 from Titan Airways to stand in for unserviceable aircraft.{{cn|date=June 2024}}
Aurigny announced in April 2014 that it would retire its last five Trislanders and replace them with three second-hand Dornier 228s, noting that "the cost of keeping [the Trislanders] in the air is now prohibitively expensive".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-27035877 |title=Aurigny {{sic|nolink=y|trislanders}} loan plan goes to Guernsey States |website=BBC News |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=18 April 2014 |archive-date=20 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420052827/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-27035877 |url-status=live }} The programme to replace the Trislanders was expected to cost £3 million, with the airline asking the States of Guernsey for a loan in order to fund its Dornier acquisition.{{cn|date=June 2024}}
Aurigny's flagship Trislander aircraft, nicknamed "Joey" after its registration G-JOEY, gained popular affection over time and a campaign was established to have it put on display in Guernsey rather than being sold. The aircraft made its final flight on 28 June 2015, and in November of that year it was announced that it would be preserved on the island.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-guernsey-33306732 |title=G-Joey's last flight: Aurigny Trislander retirement 'end of an era' |website=BBC News |date=29 June 2015 |access-date=24 May 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820170542/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-guernsey-33306732 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://guernseypress.com/news/2015/11/13/g-joey-staying-in-guernsey-is-right-decision-says-campaigner/ |title=G-Joey staying in Guernsey is right decision, says campaigner |newspaper=The Guernsey Press |date=13 November 2015 |access-date=24 May 2016 |archive-date=5 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805154741/http://guernseypress.com/news/2015/11/13/g-joey-staying-in-guernsey-is-right-decision-says-campaigner/ |url-status=live }} In March 2016 Oatlands Village, a local tourist attraction, was revealed to be Joey's probable new home, subject to permission for construction of a suitable building to house the Trislander.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-guernsey-35709640 |title=G-Joey could be displayed at Oatlands |website=BBC News |date=3 March 2016 |access-date=24 May 2016 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303105406/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-guernsey-35709640 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |author= |title=Permanent home for G-JOEY - in Guernsey? |url=http://www.alderneyjournal.com/readnews.php?id=1429 |magazine=The Alderney Journal |date=15 March 2016 |access-date=24 May 2016 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924171552/http://www.alderneyjournal.com/readnews.php?id=1429 |url-status=live }} "Oaty & Joey's Playbarn" opened in January 2019 with G-JOEY suspended from the ceiling as a static exhibit.{{cite news |last1=Baudains |first1=Nigel |title=Joey's new home attracts crowds despite 'soft launch' |url=https://guernseypress.com/news/2019/01/02/joeys-new-home-attracts-crowds-despite-soft-launch/ |access-date=28 March 2021 |work=Guernsey Press |date=2 January 2019 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021190046/https://guernseypress.com/news/2019/01/02/joeys-new-home-attracts-crowds-despite-soft-launch/ |url-status=live }}
Aurigny's sole Embraer 195 left the fleet on 31 May 2024, positioning on flight number GR195P to Exeter where it will be prepared for its new owner. The Embraer's retirement came ahead of Aurigny dry-leasing in two additional ATR 72-600s, one from NAC and the other from Jetstream Aviation Capital which are due in July and September 2024 respectfully. These ATRs will not however have ATR's ClearVision enhanced vision system (EVS), which is installed on the Aurigny owned ATR72-600s.{{cn|date=June 2024}}
References
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
Further reading
- {{cite book
| last = Pinnegar
| first = Edward
| page = 128
| date = 5 August 2010
| title = A History of Aviation in Alderney
| publisher = Amberley Publishing, Stroud
| isbn = 978-1-84868-981-7
}}
External links
{{Commons category inline|Aurigny Air Services}}
- {{official website|http://www.aurigny.com}}
{{Portalbar|United Kingdom|Aviation}}
{{Airlines of the United Kingdom}}
Category:European Regions Airline Association
Category:Airlines established in 1968
Category:Transport in Alderney