Waves and Air Alderney granted permission for new air links

Sunday 04 February 2018

Two airlines have been given permission to operate commercial flights in and out of the Bailiwick.

Waves says it can now sell flights from Guernsey to the UK and other European destinations, while Air Alderney will start services to and from Jersey as soon as possible.

The Guernsey based airline and tech developer Waves was granted European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval which is known as a Third Country Operator approval, or TCO. The airline says that means it "has passed a rigorous auditing process by the Cologne based Agency to demonstrate its systems, manuals and key staff are fully compliant." The approval means Waves can now operate charter flights into any country in the EU, including the UK with the potential to add a longer range aircraft type to its fleet.

Waves' Director of Aviation, Matt Bisson, said: "EASA approval of our TCO status is an important milestone for the company. We have worked with 2 REG, Guernsey’s own aircraft registry and the provider of our Air Operator Certificate, to meet the very high standards demanded by the Agency. Our approval is exactly the same as one needed by, for example, a large US carrier that wants to operate flights into Europe."

He continues: "This is a fantastic achievement for Waves and it means our inter island services can now be augmented by charters into northern France which is an important tourism and business destination for channel islanders."

Meanwhile, the States of Alderney has issued Air Alderney with a route licence to carry freight and passengers between the island and Jersey.

If Guernsey's Air Transport Licensing Board agrees the airline will also be able to offer the same services between Alderney and Guernsey.

In a statement, Air Alderney's Reservation Manager, Claudie Gaudion says that has already been approved by the States of Alderney and they "continue to keep our fingers crossed" that Guernsey's ATL Board also grants a licence.

Ms Gaudion says Air Alderney wants to thank all its supporters and they plan to commence flying as soon as possible: "Please stay tuned for operation dates on our Jersey and Cherbourg routes coming very soon!"