Aurigny To Sell Jet For Two More ATRs

Guernsey's airline is looking to simplify and standardise its fleet to reduce costs and improve reliability.

Aurigny bought its Embraer 195 jet from new in 2014 with a number of bespoke modifications like more powerful engines. It was brought in after Flybe started operating an Embraer on its Gatwick to Guernsey service and increased Aurigny's seat numbers on the route.

Now, nine years later, the airline says it's time to sell it to 'make room' for two additional leased ATR 72s.

It currently has three ATR turboprops in its fleet, all of which it bought.

The company says operating more of the same aircraft type will streamline the use of maintenance equipment and the supply of spare parts, simplify pilot training and result in fewer disruptions to the schedule.

Aurigny says passenger capacity will not be reduced, all European routes currently on offer will go ahead and no staff members will be made redundant.

The ATR turboprops are also considered more environmentally friendly, as they use less fuel per passenger, meaning Aurigny will be charged less for airport emissions charges.

No exact timeline has been released but the transition is expected to be completed in 2024.

CEO of Aurigny Air Services Nico Bezuidenhout says re-balancing the fleet is important:

“Providing customers with the most reliable service possible has always been our priority and we are confident that having a fleet made up of ATR 72s is the most efficient way to do this.

This project marks the beginning of a significant push towards running a more cost-effective and efficient airline, which will inevitably have a positive impact on the overall experience of our customers.”

He added that the future of the company is exciting:

“We plan to have more daily flights to London, going from the current six to nine.

We will also have flexibility to run regular flights to Paris, Manchester and Dublin and continue serving a range of popular European destinations.

Many of these destinations are within the ideal range of an ATR 72, but should a jet aircraft be more appropriate, we still have the option to charter one whenever needed.”

Current Aurigny's fleet:

One Embraer 195 jet - capable of carrying 122 passengers.

Three ATR turboprop aircraft - capable of carrying 72 passengers.

Two Dornier 228s -  capable of carrying 19 passengers (serving the Guernsey to Alderney route.)