Mr Hinkles said that aircraft downtime for maintenance and day-to-day operational issues often now extended from days to weeks and months, which was why airlines were struggling to maintain schedules.
‘Airlines do everything they can to run flights on time, it’s the most cost-effective way to operate, and it keeps customers happy,’ he said.
‘No-one benefits from delays and cancellations, but sometimes – despite all endeavours – they can and do happen.
‘Against that background, it’s risible for some commentators to call for guarantees that flight disruption will be eradicated, and it’s just as impossible for an airline chief to give such a warranty as it is plainly daft for anyone to demand it.’
He said that, as a result of these issues, Guernsey should be cautious about trying to encourage airlines such as EasyJet to the island, as low-cost carriers tend to only offer flights in high season rather than year-round connectivity.
‘The two concepts don’t sit comfortably together,’ he said.
‘Bluntly put, if an incoming low-cost airline runs off with the summer profits, your local airline will need an unprecedented level of financial support from the States to keep even a skeletal essential air service open through the leaner winter months.’
https://guernseypress.com/news/2024/...-loganair-ceo/