Air links from Guernsey to London Gatwick are there to stay

The Guernsey’s States have voted to safeguard the island’s airline link to London Gatwick.

The Assembly approved a proposal to allow Aurigny to borrow millions to expand its services.

The Guernsey’s States have voted to safeguard the island’s airline link to London Gatwick.

The Assembly approved a proposal to allow Aurigny to borrow millions to expand its services.

That may mean buying or leasing a new or used jet or smaller plane to put on additional flights.

Aurigny wants to fill the gap – 720 seats a day – that will be left by Flybe when the airline pulls out of the route in March.

It could mean spending up to ยฃ31m on a new jet or significantly less – ยฃ17m – on a used jet.

Aurigny chief executive Mark Darby said he was delighted the States had allowed the company to borrow.

“It’s most likely that we’ll acquire a jet. The approval from the States is really to allow Treasury and Resources to look at our business case and work out what’s most appropriate.”

He said Aurigny had a few hurdles to overcome yet, but he hoped to make a firm announcement about the airline’s plans next week.

The States-owned airline has accumulated losses of ยฃ12.5m, but the expanded service to Gatwick could help it break even.

It will be the only operator on the route, but despite that Mr. Darby said fares would stay more or less the same.

“We’re owned by the States and I’m sure they’ll make sure the service we provide competitive.”

Aurigny plan to put on additional services at the end of March, when Flybe is due to finish operating on the route.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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