Aurigny Air Services Faces Operational Hurdles, Plans Fleet Expansion Amid Eastern Airways Setback
Aurigny Air Services, the flag carrier of Guernsey, has encountered operational disruptions, attributing them to technical issues with its Embraer E195 jet and challenges with Eastern Airways regarding a wet-lease agreement. In a communication with local deputies, Aurigny’s CEO Nico Bezuidenhout detailed the setbacks and outlined the airline’s strategic response, including an accelerated transition towards an ATR72-600 based fleet.
The E195, the carrier’s sole jet aircraft, has been earmarked for retirement by the end of April due to escalating maintenance costs and time-sensitive exit plans. The discovery of corrosion on its thrust reversers led to an unexpected grounding, complicating Aurigny’s operational capacity. In an attempt to mitigate these challenges, Aurigny engaged Eastern Airways for supplemental ATR72-600 capacity. However, according to Bezuidenhout, Eastern Airways did not meet the contractual obligations, significantly impacting Aurigny’s service delivery during February and March 2024, leading to the termination of their contract.
Eastern Airways countered, attributing the shortfall in support to the same supply chain and staffing issues affecting the regional aviation sector, particularly those impacting the ATR fleet, which both airlines operate. These factors limited Eastern Airways’ ability to provide the anticipated ad hoc support for Aurigny, compelling the airline to prioritize its core services.
In response to the current challenges, Aurigny is expediting its fleet upgrade plan, with the re-induction of a third ATR72-600 from maintenance slated for mid-April and temporary capacity augmentation through a wet-leased DHC-8-Q400 from Avanti Air. Furthermore, the airline is set to welcome two additional dry-leased ATR72-600s, with the first arriving at the end of May and the second in August, ahead of the original December 2024 schedule.
Despite recent operational disruptions, Aurigny emphasized its growth trajectory, noting an increase in flights and passengers compared to the previous year. The disruptions, according to Bezuidenhout, were not a consequence of new route launches or the ongoing fleet transition but have nonetheless been a source of regret.
The Guernsey government’s Economic Development Bureau is concurrently reviewing its air transport licensing policy, considering a comprehensive assessment that includes fare strategy and the carrier’s capacity to fulfill its network ambitions. The review’s findings, expected in the coming months, aim to address the broader implications of these operational challenges and Aurigny’s strategic plans for the island’s air transport sector.
Aurigny’s efforts to navigate these operational hurdles and its commitment to fleet modernization underscore the carrier’s resilience and strategic planning in ensuring service continuity and growth amidst the dynamic challenges of regional aviation.