Originally Posted by
SWBKCB
Precisely what I have been trying to convey in these columns for quite a while now - probably expressed more cogently than I managed - Guernsey wants low cost carriers, & some people think that you can get them by extending the runway for them. It might, but it won’t last - because the demand is just not there. Let Easy in & Aurigny will be severely affected. They cannot compete with Easy Jet to Gatwick, without further hefty States subsidies; & if they don’t get them, they will go bust. Jersey’s population is approaching twice that of Guernsey, & as pointed out in the article (letter), only gets one or two flights from Gatwick by Easy on several days over the winter. What would Guernsey get ? And, remember, The States purchased AUR in the first place to protect the Gatwick slots. No AUR = no island owned slots at Gatwick = no protection. As the letter writer pointed out, there a lot of other considerations involved in providing a reliable, regular service; & many of these considerations would result in a very poor service indeed to Guernsey, especially if it had all of its eggs in EZY’s basket !
Overall situation ? Be very careful in what you wish for ! Don’t waste your money on extending the runway - it will get very little use over the years by the aircraft that you are extending it for.