Cost of Alderney air links 'not sustainable'

The island has also been told to come up with solutions and that public criticism of Aurigny is eroding trust with the airline.

Policy & Resources president Gavin St Pier's comments are made in a letter responding to one from Alderney's Policy & Finance chairman James Dent which had said that a crisis in air links is threatening the survival of the island.

Mr Dent said that delays of up to five days, diversions and cancellations have been far too frequent with no capacity to catch up when problems happen.

The Guernsey to Alderney route is currently out to tender, after an unsuccessful attempt earlier this year.

'The Policy & Resources Committee is concerned that some of the comments in your letter which you placed in the public domain may hinder rather than assist a successful outcome of that process,' said Deputy St Pier.

'It is important that we allow that process to conclude without public or political intervention.'

He added it was also important to consider who would be responsible for public funding.

Deputy St Pier said that an evidence-based economic assessment of the return to Alderney and Guernsey of the Alderney-Southampton route had been requested on a number of occasions, but compelling evidence still not provided.

He said it was important for the States of Alderney to present a constructive view.

'The constant public criticism of Aurigny by some representatives of the political body in Alderney does not help to improve matters, and the Policy & Resources Committee believes that it erodes trust that makes a productive relationship between Alderney and Aurigny increasingly difficult to sustain. While the letter provides a critique of the services and operator, it does not put forward potential solutions.'

He said constructive solutions would be welcomed.

P&R believes that a robust and resilient service is being provided.

But the current cost to the taxpayer is not sustainable.

'Moreover, the committee believes that a reduction in the financial cost need not diminish the overall accessibility, safety and economic sustainability of Alderney, and that such a reduction in financial cost must be actively considered.'

A memorandum of understanding is in place for the Guernsey to Alderney link.

the letter said that planned flights were 'broadly in line' with the agreed levels.

In the first quarter of 2019 94% were operated, and 96% in quarter two.

In quarter one, 87% of flights were on time, which fell to 82% in the second quarter.