The airline Air Alderney has been granted an operating licence from the islands government to begin services to both Guernsey and Jersey.
The permission will allow the company to operate both passenger and freight flights, so long as they are offered all-year-round, with the States of Alderney saying it will review the position after six month.
However, there is still a further hurdle to be cleared as the airline also needs permission from the Guernsey Air Transport Licensing Board of the States of Guernsey before it will be allowed to operate that route.
Air Alderney announced plans, last year, to begin services following widespread concern among islanders and businesses that existing air links weren’t robust enough for the needs of the community.
Since then, the airline has opened permanent offices on Victoria Street in St Anne, as well as refurbishing space in Hangar 1 where it will carry out maintenance work of its aircraft.
Responding to the news of the States of Alderney approval, Air Alderney said: “We are pleased to announce that the States of Alderney have issued Air Alderney with our route licence to carry freight and passengers from Alderney – Jersey – Alderney. Furthermore subject to the decision under consideration of the Guernsey Air Transport Licensing Board; the States of Alderney have also granted us our route licence to carry freight from Alderney – Guernsey – Alderney.”
“We thank all our supporters that wrote messages of support to share with the Guernsey Licensing Board and continue to keep our fingers crossed. Please stay tuned for operation dates on our Jersey and Cherbourg routes coming very soon!”
The overall plan is for the airline to operate routes from Alderney to Guernsey, Jersey, Cherbourg, Lee on Solent and Shoreham using an Islander aircraft.
No final date beyond ‘soon’ has been revealed for when flights will begin, but bosses say they’re keen to capitalise on the interest islanders have shown in their plans.
They said: “Whilst we are unable to confirm our start date at present, rest assured we want to start flying as much as you do. We intend to be your local airline and work towards being able to meet the requirements of Alderney and its people.”
