Aurigny Strengthens Operations Amid Fleet Challenges
Aurigny Air Services has successfully navigated an operational audit, with consultants from PA Consulting Group finding no fault in the airline’s handling of service disruptions amid its fleet transition from February to August 2024. The audit, conducted at the request of Guernsey’s States’ Trading Supervisory Board (STSB), concluded that Aurigny was not responsible for the disruptions, attributing them instead to supplier delays, unrelated maintenance events, and challenges with pilot retention.
The report praised Aurigny’s management for its strategic decision to phase out Embraer aircraft, noting that the situation could have been more challenging if the Embraer E195 had remained in service. It further emphasized that issues such as parts procurement and pilot retention are industry-wide challenges that could persist into 2025.
Despite prior criticism from the STSB regarding “unacceptable service levels,” the audit offered a positive outlook on Aurigny’s upcoming operating model. The report highlighted a more resilient schedule for winter 2024-25 and summer 2025, with additional aircraft on standby, creating an extra line of defense against potential service disruptions. The schedule allows for reduced flight sectors per aircraft, enhancing redundancy and operational stability beyond what is typical for a regional airline.
In an October interview, Aurigny CEO Nico Bezuidenhout expressed optimism about the report’s validation of the airline’s future scheduling strategy. The report also identified risks tied to ATR supply chain constraints, recommending that Aurigny secure critical spare parts, such as landing gear, whenever possible to mitigate future disruptions.
Aurigny currently operates a fleet of four ATR72-600s, two Do228-212(NG)s, and leases an additional ATR72-500(QC) from Swiftair, as shown in the ch-aviation fleets module. The audit underscores the carrier’s strengthened position to ensure reliable service, with strategic investments in fleet and scheduling adjustments that support a resilient operational model.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com