Aurigny has renamed its last two ATR aircraft after a public vote to choose a name resulted in controversy.
In an online poll, the airline asked the public to vote between names honouring its biggest sporting clients, either the Guernsey Football Club or Raiders Rugby Club (G-OGFC or G-GRFC, respectively).
G-OGFC was announced as the winner but controversy over some of the voter profiles, and the passion demonstrated during and after the poll, has resulted in a sporting compromise: both teams will now be represented by renaming two planes.
‘We were discussing the registrations in a meeting and all wondered if it was too late to amend the previously registered G-OFOG to represent the Raiders,’ said Aurigny PR Manager, Jess Mauger.
‘When we found out this was possible, we agreed with the rugby team their preferred registration as Aurigny prefer not to have two aircraft ending in the same letters.’
The two new aircraft will now be named G-OGFC (Go GFC) in honour of the local football team, and G-ORAI (Go Raiders) to celebrate the popular local rugby team.
Director of Guernsey Football Club Nic Legg said: ‘We are looking forward to the arrival of the new plane. Having a plane with GFC on is another memorable moment in our short history. Thanks to Aurigny for offering the club this opportunity. We look forward to working together on this exciting initiative.’
Guernsey Raiders, whose men’s, ladies’ and academy teams have worked with Aurigny for some years, also thanked the airline for the outcome. Club director Chris Gnapp said: ‘We have built a great working relationship with Aurigny over the years and are, of course, delighted to have a plane registered G-ORAI and our logo. We would like to thank Aurigny for this fantastic initiate and look forward to working with them for a number of years to come.’
