Aurigny promises average Guernsey-Jersey air fare will be £70 one way

Friday, 16 January 2026 08:40

Guernsey's airline is putting an ex-Blue Islands aircraft onto its books to deal with the extra demand from the Jersey and Southampton routes.

Aurigny became the sole operator inter islands this week and is promising a better service than that run by the former Blue Islands.

CEO Nico Bezuidenhout says the Guernsey - Jersey timetable means people get a whole day on their neighbouring island and he says fares will be attractive too:

"On average, our price point between Guernsey and Jersey will be in the order of £69.99 so making it more affordable and having more availability at that price point."

To deal with the extra demand on the Jersey and Southampton routes, where it will fly three times a day from Guernsey over the summer, Aurigny is transferring an ex-Blue Islands ATR 72-600, G-ISLP, onto its books.

This will mean it has six ATRs, three owned, three leased, which Mr Bezuidenhout says allows them to run up to five routes at any one time with one aircraft as back up.

"The amount of actual flying between Guernsey and Jersey is not that substantial, given the sectors are relatively short, and we also have recourse to our Twin Otter fleet that is not fully utilised."

Aurigny has taken on some Blue Islands pilots following its collapse last year.

In February, Aurigny will retire its two Dornier NG planes that run the Alderney routes and the Twin Otter, operated under an agreement with Skybus, will take over.

Some Dornier pilots are retraining to the ATR, others are retiring.

Mr Bezuidenhout says the two Dorniers, bought new around ten years ago, may prove difficult to sell:

"To be honest it’s a difficult sales job.

"There are only 13 of these Dorniers in active operation around the world, used by six entities, four of which are military, so it's a difficult, bespoke and unique sales job that has to occur, and that process is ongoing, it’s not an easy sell."