Meeting to debate air connectivity 'constructive'

Public talks on improving air connectivity for Guernsey have been described as "constructive".

Representatives from Aurigny, Skybus and the States of Alderney met on Wednesday to review current operations and consider how connections with the wider region could be developed.

Aurigny said the discussion focused on both the ongoing performance of air routes and longer-term plans to strengthen reliability and capacity.

Its management also expressed regret over recent operational disruptions citing unprecedented bad weather and a higher-than-usual demand for medical evacuation (Medevac) flights.

It said everyone involved agreed to maintain improved engagement as the next phase of operational improvements was carried out.

The States of Alderney previously said those due to attend included: Nico Bezuidenhout, chief executive officer of Aurigny; Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive officer of Skybus; Simon Steele, chief commercial and head of procurement of the States of Guernsey, and chief commercial officer of Aurigny Philip Saunders.

The topics of conversation included operational performance since the last engagement meeting, aircraft and crew availability, provision for medevac (medical evacuation) services, and looking at the winter schedule for 2026 to 2027.

Nico Bezuidenhout, ceo of Aurigny, said the discussions were both "constructive" and "centred firmly on delivering the reliable and resilient air services" and he had received honest feedback from the public.

"We recognise the importance of these lifeline connections to the island community and remain fully committed to improving operational performance and enhancing customer confidence."

Members of the community attended an open public forum at the Island Hall from 15:00 BST to 16:30.

Ellis Downs, who has lived in Alderney for a year but had a holiday home there for 30 years, said: "I think it was important for the Aurigny and the Skybus executives to come along and understand what the residents of Alderney feel.

"I was so pleased to hear them admit that they have made some mistakes in their service development, but I was also pleased to hear of the ideas that they've got to improve things."

Claire Hanbury said she found the meeting interesting.

"I thought they were incredibly positive and they set out really good, clear reasons why we've been having all the difficulties," she said.

Giles Woodhouse, who also attended the forum, said: "I think there's hope that with the addition of a second plane, that can really help, but we need to see some concrete results."

Sue Abel said she "didn't think they were prepared at all".

"I don't think anything would have got to this level if they had got the two planes ready last year, ... everything is so behind," she said.

Tony LeBlanc agreed and said he did not think the meeting achieved much.

"It appears the medevacs at the present time are causing the problems ... they don't seem to have any process as such going to improve on that," he said.

Edward Hill, Alderney States member, said "It was clear that the frustrations had run high, however they were very respectful, they understood what issues the airline has but also they understood and they learnt a lot from what the community was saying."

Alex Snowdon, member of the Alderney States, said he thought it was encouraging that Aurigny and Skybus had taken the time to engage with the public.

He said: " I really welcome it happening again in the very near future so we can strengthen aviation services for Alderney."

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