Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney
Press Release
Date: 19th June 2025
Aurigny Public Services Obligation
The Policy & Finance Committee welcomes the announcement from Aurigny that it has been awarded a multi-year extension to its Public Service Obligation by the States of Guernsey.
The announcement, which includes confirmation of Aurigny teaming up with Skybus, the airline of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, who will provide aircraft, maintenance, crew training and insurance to Aurigny.
From 1 November 2025, two DHC6-300 Twin Otter aircraft will operate in Aurigny colours to and from the island of Alderney. The aircraft will also play an integral role in delivering air ambulance, mail, freight, and pet travel services to and from Alderney.
Skybus will also provide replacement aircraft from within its fleet to cover periods of maintenance as part of the agreement, and Aurigny will continue to provide Dornier 228 capacity until the end of the year, to ensure a smooth transition. These steps will be important factors in delivering a high level of resilience for Alderney’s air links.
Nico Bezuidenhout, Chief Executive at Aurigny, said:
“The new air service model is a win-win for the Bailiwick – it strengthens Alderney’s vital air links with more resilience in the fleet while also delivering better long-term value – helping to secure the future of these vital air services for our communities.
Skybus have an in-depth understanding of the importance and complexity involved in delivering air services to small island communities, operating in challenging environments very similar to our own. Their proven expertise makes them an excellent fit to support Aurigny in delivering safe, reliable and resilient services for Alderney.”
Bill Abel, Chair of the Policy & Finance Committee said:
“This is fantastic news for our Island community. There are several positives for us – the high level of resilience of this service; the increased flexibility that Twin Otters will bring; and the overall reduction in risk associated with our ‘aging’ runway.
Nico Bezuidenhout and the Aurigny Board and Team are to be thanked for their hard work in achieving these results and we look forward to working with Aurigny on options to contain costs and develop alternative schedules.
Lyndon Trott (OBE), his Committee, the STSB, and their teams are to be thanked for making this possible. This decision is of significant benefit to Alderney and will do much to improve the image of the Island and reduce the potential risks associated with our runway.
We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Guernsey”.
Ends
Media contact: Publications.Alderney@gov.gg