Press release from the States of Alderney today:
"The Committee on 22 July met with Mark Darby, Chief Executive of Aurigny to discuss the latest plans for the Alderney routes. States Members had previously met with Messrs Drew, Cadoret and Harrisson to hear their own proposals which were discussed at some length.
A wide number of issues were discussed including the current delivery schedule for the replacement Dornier aircraft, frequency of flights and numbers of seats on both Alderney routes. Categoric assurances were given that there is no intention to terminate the Southampton-Alderney route or reduce available seats on the route. It is accepted that pricing is a concern to many people living on Alderney and those having homes here, but ultimately it was acknowledged that any significant reduction of fares will have to involve the States of Guernsey.
Neil Harvey, Chair of the Business Development and Tourism Committee said ‘We will seek a Public Service Obligation with the States of Guernsey and Aurigny to achieve this later this year as part of a package of measures to assist Alderney’s economic recovery. Aurigny has agreed to provide us with the detailed operating figures for the Alderney routes and we welcome this transparency as a contribution to this development.’
In the meantime States Members wish to express their support of Aurigny’s decision to acquire Dornier 228 aircraft to operate our routes in the expectation that these will provide a faster, more comfortable and more sustainable service to Southampton and Guernsey. Mr Harvey said ‘The contribution of the iconic Trislanders to the island and its population over many years is fully acknowledged, as is the interest and hard work of those proposing their retention. However, both States of Guernsey and Alderney as well as Aurigny agree that retention of the existing fleet is no longer sustainable and it is time to move forward as we seek to improve the island’s economy and attractiveness for inwards investment. We hope the first Dornier will be with us soon, and whilst the replacement programme will take longer than originally anticipated, we remain convinced that this is the best long term solution for the island’.
Policy and Finance Committee endorsed the unanimous decision taken in May by the States of Guernsey to facilitate acquisition of Dorniers."