Merger would "cost jobs"

Business leaders in Alderney believe the merger of Blue Islands and Aurigny would increase unemployment.

Alderney Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Eggleston said the initial reaction to the proposed takeover had not been positive.

"There is great consternation," said Mr Eggleston. "The first impressions I've had suggest everyone is concerned.

"This is bound to create further unemployment in the island and could lead to Aurigny's reservations office closing down. We are also concerned that this will affect our direct link to the UK."

Mr Eggleston said Aurigny offered a superior Alderney service when compared to Blue Islands.

"Blue Islands haven't bothered as much with Alderney passengers as Aurigny. The main reason appears to be that Blue Islands has just been servicing its hotel in the island."

Meanwhile, States member John Beaman is also concerned the proposed takeover could cost jobs.

He said: "We do have unemployment in Alderney at the moment and Aurigny is an employer. I believe about 20 people are employed by them at the airport, so we will need to help them should there be any job losses."

Mr Beaman went on to say the level of service offered by Aurigny needed to be maintained and that Guernsey should discuss any windfall from the sale with Alderney.

"It doesn't really matter whose logo is on the plane but the level of service and price of flights are important. Aurigny has also provided us with medical evacuation, so that needs to be maintained.

"There's a whole lot of things we need to discuss with the States of Guernsey before this sale proceeds, including the possibility of a windfall."

On Wednesday Mr Beaman said he was shocked at news of the possible merger and called for Alderney's 'lifeline' routes to Southampton and Guernsey to be preserved.

Blue Islands currently operates flights from Alderney to Guernsey, while Aurigny runs services to both Guernsey and Southampton.

4 comments on this article

Create a unique icon for your replies at gravatar.com	Rob L | Thu 22nd July 2010 For many years we only had one private airline and were served well. What's the problem of going the full circle so that we are back with one private airline again?

Create a unique icon for your replies at gravatar.com	Hello | Fri 16th July 2010 No replacement for the Trislander? How about a DHC Twin Otter? 19 seats, short field (our shortest runway is still plenty long enough) and a speed 50% faster than a Trislander. They use them in the Scilly Isles........ check out www.skybus.co.uk

Create a unique icon for your replies at gravatar.com	Beardy | Fri 16th July 2010 It is often said that there is no replacement for the Trislander, poppycock! Alderney needs MORE transport links, not less. The States of Guernsey must not be allowed to sell of the Aurigny name, let our airline live on!

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GJOEY | Thu 15th July 2010 Fundamentally, WE CANNOT TRUST THEM! Look at the list of routes they've shut: • Alderney – Bournemouth • Alderney – Cherbourg • Alderney – Jersey • Alderney – Shoreham • Guernsey – Biggin Hill • Guernsey - Bournemouth • Guernsey – Cardiff • Guernsey – Oxford • Guernsey – St. Brieuc • Jersey – Dinard • Jersey – Paris (Beauvais) and you soon see they're in it for the money. Don't let it happen! Join someone's Facebook campaign at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Say-NO-to-Blue-IslandsAurigny-merger/131972280172499?ref=ts

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