"Exciting code shares" to be concluded imminently

Monday 18 October 2021

Aurigny is expected to finalise code share agreements with some "major, global airlines" that will improve domestic and international connectivity.

The airline's CEO Nico Bezuidenhout recently announced Aurigny’s first 'path to profit', a strategy designed to tackle unnecessary costs and ultimately break-even with its trading costs.

The new management - who have instilled confidence in politicians that the "failures" of old will finally be rectified - has discussed plans with media to increase travel options through partnerships and code shares.

In April, Aurigny and Blue Islands agreed to "co-operate" on key routes, as they reined back competition in an effort to restore connectivity post-pandemic.

Internationally, it is now understood that work has been done to establish Guernsey within the route network of at least one major global airline.

“Some inter-airline agreements have already been made,” said STSB President Peter Roffey, referencing the “sensible cooperation” between the two Channel Island airlines.

Pictured: Nico Bezuidenhout wants to improve connectivity and get more passengers on Aurigny's flights through code shares with other airlines. 

“And States members can expect some really big announcements about further such deals with major world players very shortly.”

“This will massively improve Guernsey’s connectivity domestically and internationally and importantly it will allow islanders to travel through UK airports without having to pay a tax to the UK Government for the privilege of doing so.”

It means, he says, that Aurigny “will also appeal on major airline sale systems" which will increase global visibility of the Aurigny brand. 

Whether the island is maximising its brand awareness through its States-owned airline was also subject to some debate.

Pictured: Economic Development President Neil Inder cited the frequent confusion from visitors he has hosted as to how the Alderney-founded airline's name is pronounced. 

Economic Development Vice-President Steve Falla acknowledged that re-naming the airline is not one of the management's priorities at the current time. 

However, he says there are untapped commercial opportunities from using the island's airline to market the Guernsey brand. 

"I believe that the States missed a trick not taking on the suggestion of former Deputy Darren Duquemin and rebranding Aurigny as Guernsey – even if Guernsey was the dominant brand linked to the Aurigny brand, for example Guernsey by Aurigny, or similar.

"Let’s be honest it’s what Jersey would do, with the same opportunity, and would help promote the Guernsey brand at Gatwick and other UK regional airports as well as some European airports which the airline has serviced. Perhaps we’re not fully sweating our airline asset?"

The previous management of Aurigny floated the idea publicly but never meaningfully pursued it.