Aurigny to outsource control centre jobs

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Aurigny has decided to outsource its operations control centre, which is currently located in Alderney, to global aviation services group Air Partner based near Gatwick Airport, which could put four jobs in the island at risk.

Aurigny CEO Mark Darby said the main driver behind the move is improved operational resilience and business risk reduction, as Air Partner will "offer greater hours of operation with the ability to draw from a large talent pool of experienced airline staff in the Gatwick area."

“Aurigny has taken this decision for several reasons, but predominantly to ensure that the airline’s operations run as smoothly as possible for the benefit of our customers," he said. "A small number of Aurigny’s staff will be affected by this move and, whilst any redundancies locally are regrettable, it is in the airline’s best long-term interests to ensure the optimal management of its operations. Critical decision making will still be made from the Aurigny head office in Guernsey.”

Mr Darby said the move is expected to be completed by the end of May 2019.

The company have specified that four staff will be affected, but that they cannot confirm redundancies at present as some may take on other roles within the organisation.

States of Alderney Policy and Finance Chairman James Dent said he was "very disappointed" to learn that the Aurigny operations office will be leaving the Bailiwick.

"The loss of these Alderney jobs will have a major impact not just on our own economy but on the wider Bailiwick’s economy.  We were not consulted and neither, I understand, was the Committee for Economic Development in Guernsey.”

Headquartered in Gatwick, Air Partner is listed on the London Stock Exchange and operates 24/7 year-round from its global office base. The group has more than 55 years of experience in the aviation industry and offers managed services, which also includes aircraft charter, aircraft re-marketing and Consulting & Training services.

Air Partner has created a dedicated Aurigny team to run the day-to-day flight operations, which is an extension of its existing 24/7 operations department.

CEO Mark Briffa said: “We are delighted to be adding Aurigny to our extensive client base and have been working closely with the team on the ground to ensure a smooth handover in operations. The airline is relied upon by many members of the Guernsey community and we are look forward to providing them with our usual high customer service levels, which have become synonymous with Air Partner.”