Aurigny Air Services (Aurigny.com) (Guernsey, Channel Islands) has ordered a 122-seat Embraer 195 for the Guernsey-London (Gatwick) route. The airline is planning to take delivery in June 2014. Flybe is planning to drop the route in March 2014.
The airline issued this statement and image (above):
We are really excited to announce that the airline’s new aircraft to service the Guernsey to Gatwick route following the withdrawal of Flybe, will be an Embraer E195 regional jet.
Following the States of Guernsey’s decision to act as guarantors for the purchase of an aircraft and Treasury and Resources approval of the airline’s business case, the Board of Aurigny has entered into an initial agreement with Embraer, the Brazilian regional aircraft manufacturer, to purchase a new aircraft to be delivered in mid-2014.
“Aurigny is very grateful for the support that it has received from the States for this exciting project, which will be a major step forward for the airline,” says Mark Darby, Aurigny’s interim Chief Executive.
“It will be a significant investment for us but it is essential that we replace Flybe’s capacity utilizing our existing slots on this lifeline route. The 122-seat Embraer E195 will offer our customers a superior travelling experience, as well as being more reliable and performing better when landing in poor weather conditions.
“The Board selected the aircraft after an extensive evaluation process and decided to buy a new aircraft direct from the manufacturer because of the high levels of introduction support the airline will receive in areas such as pilot and engineer training – which will be essential if we are to achieve a smooth introduction.”
In other news, the state-owned airline is discussing with the Channel Islands local government about a possible name change such as “Guernsey Air” and a possible new livery. The government does not appear to be keen on any change.
Read the full report from the BBC: CLICK HERE
The current Aurigny name is the Norman word for Alderney in the Channel Islands.
Aurigny Aircraft Slide Show: 
Video: A landing at Jersey in a Trislander from the cockpit:
Current Route Map:
