Two Alderney politicians criticise Aurigny's lack of resilience as its only Dornier is out of service with a technical problem.
Passengers needing to get to and from Alderney are being taken by ferry, after Aurigny's Dornier, G-OAUR, became stuck in Alderney early on Saturday with a technical problem.
The aircraft made the early flight from Guernsey to Alderney, reloaded with passengers and then taxied for take off, but this had to be abandoned. It's been there ever since, as the airline arranges spares and engineering staff to get it flying again, according to a staff member.
The airline has two Dorniers to operate the Guernsey, Alderney and Southampton routes, but its other aircraft is understood to be away undergoing planned maintenance.
Passengers unable to get home on Saturday night were put up in hotels. The airline is chartering two boats to operate its route, by sea.
Aurigny says it hopes to resume flying the Alderney routes this afternoon:
"We sourced a part and that was brought to Guernsey then taken by RIB to Alderney this morning (19). Engineers are now working on the aircraft. We hope to resume the schedule around lunchtime/early afternoon."
Steve Roberts, who sits in both Alderney and Guernsey's States, has tweeted that the airline can't operate the route with only two aircraft:
"A two aircraft model is unworkable, and a great cost to Alderney and the Bailiwick."
Engineers and Aurigny staff working hard to restore our service.
— steve roberts (@captainpipkin) June 18, 2023
Alderney relies on twelve seater boats to connect with the rest of the world.
A two aircraft model is unworkable and a great cost to Alderney and the Bailiwick as a whole .
Bailiwick loss. Aurigny loss. pic.twitter.com/oSANk2dLVC
Alex Snowden, who's also an Alderney rep in Guernsey's States, has tweeted similar views.
"This is really impacting the community & businesses hard."
NO planes- Alderney transport
— Alex Snowdon (@AlexSnowdon5) June 18, 2023
Aurigny working hard to resolve tech issues. Island has been cut off without commercial plane service since Saturday morning. Little boats to the rescue however two plane model is broken. This is really impacting the community & businesses hard. pic.twitter.com/HSZpegxd9C
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