Aurigny Air Services
I'm probably being very naive here, but can someone tell mewhy Aurigny is so disliked ?
I've only flown with them twice - for a tiny airline it seemed ok to me.
Potentially offerin lifeline routes to an airline which has yet to start operations seems a high risk strategy - I can only assume it's because Aurigny is regarded very poorly. So why the intensely negative perception around Aurigny ?
I've only flown with them twice - for a tiny airline it seemed ok to me.
Potentially offerin lifeline routes to an airline which has yet to start operations seems a high risk strategy - I can only assume it's because Aurigny is regarded very poorly. So why the intensely negative perception around Aurigny ?
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davidjohnson6 and Jerbourg, the abbreviated GP article doesn't explain what's going on very well. In order to formalise the subsidy which Aurigny has received from its owners, the States of Guernsey, in the form of the servicing/writing off of debts etc. for many years, there is a(n incredibly slow-moving) process ongoing to put the Alderney routes, which require much of this subsidy, out to tender under a PSO. Mark Darby has suggested that Aurigny will compete for this tender, but in order to run the process properly and as any more than a pen-pushing exercise, there needs to be several bidders. It makes sense that another airline which has expressed interest in operating the Alderney routes should be entitled to bid for the tender.
Air Alderney's bid can then be assessed on its merits, according to the suitability of its equipment, security of its financial backing etc., whilst Aurigny's will no doubt be judged to some degree in light of the fact that the States has already let it spend £15m of taxpayers' money on aircraft to operate the Alderney routes. (In other words, the various pros and cons will be assessed at this stage. An 'soft marketing' approach to engage in a tendering process is not a fait accompli.)
Many islanders still hold Aurigny in very high esteem, but much of the recent animosity has (in Guernsey) been created by its monopoly position on the lifeline Gatwick route, which leaves it solely responsible when fares seem high or seats in short supply, and (in Alderney) by the programme to replace the Trislander, which has taken longer and been more costly than planned - with some consequences for the reliability of Alderney services - due to a lack of suitable used 228s. A smörgåsbord of other objections have included complaints over a lack of head room, the aircraft steps, alleged damage to the runway in Alderney, fares, lack of seats, etc. etc. Some very well-founded indeed, some more out of a general aversion to change which will and has always characterised small island communities. (There was a rather a stink in Alderney when the Trislanders were introduced in 1971; residents said they were too big and noisier than the Islanders they came to replace.) A brief scroll through this thread from early 2014 will give you a decent synopsis.
Air Alderney's bid can then be assessed on its merits, according to the suitability of its equipment, security of its financial backing etc., whilst Aurigny's will no doubt be judged to some degree in light of the fact that the States has already let it spend £15m of taxpayers' money on aircraft to operate the Alderney routes. (In other words, the various pros and cons will be assessed at this stage. An 'soft marketing' approach to engage in a tendering process is not a fait accompli.)
Many islanders still hold Aurigny in very high esteem, but much of the recent animosity has (in Guernsey) been created by its monopoly position on the lifeline Gatwick route, which leaves it solely responsible when fares seem high or seats in short supply, and (in Alderney) by the programme to replace the Trislander, which has taken longer and been more costly than planned - with some consequences for the reliability of Alderney services - due to a lack of suitable used 228s. A smörgåsbord of other objections have included complaints over a lack of head room, the aircraft steps, alleged damage to the runway in Alderney, fares, lack of seats, etc. etc. Some very well-founded indeed, some more out of a general aversion to change which will and has always characterised small island communities. (There was a rather a stink in Alderney when the Trislanders were introduced in 1971; residents said they were too big and noisier than the Islanders they came to replace.) A brief scroll through this thread from early 2014 will give you a decent synopsis.
A very succinct, & factual response, there from AeroMad. I agree with it completely; but I must draw attention to the fact that AUR was set up precisely, & only, in 1968 with the sole purpose of replacing Jersey Airlines Alderney services (when they withdrew the Heron from service). The very "raison d'etre" for the airline's existence now seems to be about to be abandoned ! Well, times change & AUR won't be the first airline to completely abandon its routes & history ( if this is what happens). However, this would be, I think, a very much unintended development consequent on the States of Guernsey "nationalization " of the airline; & on its expansion in recent years.
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Trislander for Preservation
Today Aurigny's penultimate Trislander in service G-RLON positioned GCI to Lee on Solent as GR10P. It is destined for Solent Sky Museum when space becomes available. Well done to Aurigny for preserving rather than scrapping it!
Today Aurigny's penultimate Trislander in service G-RLON positioned GCI to Lee on Solent as GR10P. It is destined for Solent Sky Museum when space becomes available. Well done to Aurigny for preserving rather than scrapping it!
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kcockayne, to my knowledge BUA's reason for scrapping inter-island services from ACI (they would continue to operate LGW-ACI and SOU-ACI until 1 January 1970) was because they were making phenomenal losses in the context of BUA Group itself losing £1m in 1967/8, rather than directly because of Heron retirement. In 1967, the price for a Gatwick – Alderney one-way ticket had been increased from £4 9s to £6 (from approximately £75 to £100 today), whilst Southampton – Alderney would now cost £5 (£82) and Guernsey – Alderney £2 (£35). ACI services lost £46,000 that financial year (around £750,000 today). Note that these ticket prices and losses are very nearly identical to 2017 figures.
BUA evaluated the Nord 262 (which they had visit ACI on a promotional trip in 1967) and the Beech 99 as replacements for the Herons, but did not relinquish its operation of the mainland services until Fred Morton (an Alderney States member) and the airport sub-committee of the States of Guernsey's Board of Administration were satisfied that Glos Air (Sir Derrick Bailey's firm, which founded Aurigny Air Services Ltd. as a Jersey subsidiary on 19 Feb 1968) could operate the services satisfactorily. Morton Air Services and Jersey Airways, both of which had been operating BUA Group's Alderney services, were then absorbed into the newly-created British United Island Airways in a November 1968 reorganisation. BUIA, in turn, didn't retire its Herons until c. 1971 (haven't checked precise date). I am writing a book on the history of Aurigny which will be published in the summer of 2018; there'll be more detail in there.
Apologies for pedantry. Back to thread...
In other news, it's likely that G-BEVT, the final Trislander (registered by B-N in Jun 1977 and to Aurigny in Aug 1983) will fly to Duxford for preservation in May. I gather Aurigny is planning a good send-off.
BUA evaluated the Nord 262 (which they had visit ACI on a promotional trip in 1967) and the Beech 99 as replacements for the Herons, but did not relinquish its operation of the mainland services until Fred Morton (an Alderney States member) and the airport sub-committee of the States of Guernsey's Board of Administration were satisfied that Glos Air (Sir Derrick Bailey's firm, which founded Aurigny Air Services Ltd. as a Jersey subsidiary on 19 Feb 1968) could operate the services satisfactorily. Morton Air Services and Jersey Airways, both of which had been operating BUA Group's Alderney services, were then absorbed into the newly-created British United Island Airways in a November 1968 reorganisation. BUIA, in turn, didn't retire its Herons until c. 1971 (haven't checked precise date). I am writing a book on the history of Aurigny which will be published in the summer of 2018; there'll be more detail in there.
Apologies for pedantry. Back to thread...
In other news, it's likely that G-BEVT, the final Trislander (registered by B-N in Jun 1977 and to Aurigny in Aug 1983) will fly to Duxford for preservation in May. I gather Aurigny is planning a good send-off.
Last edited by Aero Mad; 4th Jun 2017 at 16:03. Reason: My original post suggested erroneously that BUIA withdraw from Alderney on 31/12/70. In fact, it withdrew on 31/12/69.
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Trislander Flights
Just had an email from Aurigny saying that they will be announcing charity pleasure flights on the last Tri before they retire it. Watch their Facebook page for info to be released soon.
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Tri retirements
All others WFU, JOEY awaiting the building of a new 'home' at a visitor attraction in Guernsey and RLON is at Lee on Solent awaiting space at Southampton 'Mitchel' museum to be displayed there alongside the Spit and S6B. Rumered that BDTO is destined for Duxford.
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G-BEVT is still flying (until the end of May?), and is rumoured to be going to Duxford when WFU. As noted, G-RLON has gone to the Solent Sky Museum, and G-JOEY has been dismantled and will be going to Oatlands. All the others have been scrapped.
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Trislanders - Update
Actually G-BDTO is in the fire compound at GCI - not going to Duxford. It sits next to G-PCAM (ex G-BEPH) which has been there for a couple of years. G-BDTN is at ACI and gets towed around; sometimes next to the hangar, on other occasions near to the runway alongside the derelict PA27. G-BDTN is painted grey and has no tail.
The last survivor is G-BEVT which probably will be out of service well before the end of May - as soon as Do228 G-SAYE has completed its overhaul. After some charity flights -VT will be going to Duxford (rather than -TO). It remains to be seen whether -VT will be able to give pleasure flights at Duxford or will remain as a static exhibit.
Actually G-BDTO is in the fire compound at GCI - not going to Duxford. It sits next to G-PCAM (ex G-BEPH) which has been there for a couple of years. G-BDTN is at ACI and gets towed around; sometimes next to the hangar, on other occasions near to the runway alongside the derelict PA27. G-BDTN is painted grey and has no tail.
The last survivor is G-BEVT which probably will be out of service well before the end of May - as soon as Do228 G-SAYE has completed its overhaul. After some charity flights -VT will be going to Duxford (rather than -TO). It remains to be seen whether -VT will be able to give pleasure flights at Duxford or will remain as a static exhibit.
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Final Tri flights lasting about 20mins on 20 May, 3 in morning from GCI; 2 in pm from ACI. Go to website/phone to book.Tickets £40 all profits to CIAS. GCI airport have waved fees to increase charity's income.
Pete
Extra GCI and Southampton flight announced.......go to Facebook page or website for info.
Pete
Extra GCI and Southampton flight announced.......go to Facebook page or website for info.
Last edited by cobopete; 27th Apr 2017 at 16:21.
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Scenic Flights
A second "scenic flight" from SOU was added by Aurigny for the 4th May at 11.15 on Trislander BEVT. Within 24 hours it had sold out. "Popular demand" seems exceptional so will any further flights be put on? From commends on Facebook there are a lot of disappointed folk who have missed the boat, sorry - plane.
A second "scenic flight" from SOU was added by Aurigny for the 4th May at 11.15 on Trislander BEVT. Within 24 hours it had sold out. "Popular demand" seems exceptional so will any further flights be put on? From commends on Facebook there are a lot of disappointed folk who have missed the boat, sorry - plane.
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jethros.org.uk is reporting that G-BEVT is to be retained for air ambulance flights. They indicate that this is to be confirmed though. I'd be surprised if Aurigny want to retain a trislander just for this purpose, so I wonder what the longer term plans are.
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Capital only provide Air Ambulance flights from Jersey, Aurigny have a Trislander based at Alderney 24/7 which can be converted to medivac role in about 10 minutes, the Do228 is not really suitable for this kind of work as it takes along time to convert.