Airlines strike deal over Alderney services

A deal struck between two airlines to help services in Alderney will "give more resilience and confidence", according to one of the island's representatives.

States-owned airline Aurigny said it had been awarded a multi-year extension to its Public Service Obligation to run air services between the islands and Alderney and Southampton.

As part of the deal, Aurigny said the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company's Skybus airline would provide two Twin Otter aircraft to its fleet from 1 November.

States of Alderney member Alex Snowdon said: "I think this is an important game-changer for the island to give more resilience and confidence to the Alderney community."

The company said the aircraft from Skybus, which would be in Aurigny colours, would play an "integral role" in delivering air ambulance, mail, freight, and pet travel services to and from Alderney.

It said Skybus would also provide replacement aircraft when its own aircraft were taken in for maintenance.

Aurigny chief executive Nico Bezuidenhout said the deal was 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," he said.

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