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The sudden resignation of a First Officer and self-isolating crew members are just two of the factors that have grounded some of Aurigny's Alderney services this weekend.
Aurigny has cancelled some of its flights to the northern isle today - with some Sunday services also at risk - due to crew shortages.
For Dornier flights to run safely and operate in accordance with regulations, a First Officer and a Captain conduct each flight.
Aurigny says this is not possible due to 'a catalogue of events' that has left the airline with a shortage of First Officers for a number of flights. It has attributed the cancellations to:
Crew in quarantine following period of essential training overseas (in Germany)
Unexpected resignation of a First Officer
Unable to use UK contractors due to quarantine restrictions
Delays in training of newly recruited pilots due to Covid – because of restrictions on access to European simulators (the only simulator available to us)
Pilots flying the maximum permitted hours
Pictured: A number of Alderney services this Bank Holiday weekend have been pulled due to staff shortages on the Dorniers.
Chief Executive Mark Darby said the situation was "just about manageable" until a member of crew was signed off sick this week.
“The crew operating the Alderney route have been busier than ever this summer and I would like to personally thank them all for their hard work," he said.
"It is hugely regrettable for Aurigny that this is happening on the last Bank Holiday of the summer when many people had booked Staycations in Alderney and Guernsey. We are doing everything we can to help make alternative arrangements for all of our customers.”
Customers on cancelled flights will be offered a full refund or an alternative journey on boats that Aurigny have chartered.
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