DIRECT flights between Jersey and Alderney could return under plans put forward by aviation experts from the island who are asking Guernsey to buy three new planes costing over £7 million.
The Alderney Air Transport Group set out their proposal in a letter to all Guernsey and Alderney politicians.
Their plan would require three new Tecnam Traveller P2012 aircraft to be purchased at a cost of about £7.2m, which would then be flown by operators chosen after a tender process.
The Alderney-Southampton route would be dropped in favour of using Guernsey as a hub, under the proposal.
The plane could also provide a daily service to Jersey in the summer, plus two flights a week to Cherbourg, the group argues.
Roger Dadd, speaking on behalf of the Alderney Air Transport Group, said: “Our objective is to see Alderney provided with a reliable air service, with more frequent flights, increased seat capacity and the ability to meet seasonal demands with both aircraft and crews based in Alderney.
“Although we recognise that any decision for the future of Alderney’s air services must rest with the States of Guernsey, we believe it important that a proposal comes from Alderney residents which provides reliable low-cost air links to the northern isle without the need for huge borrowings to expand Alderney’s airport.
“We appreciate that our plan will not be all things to all people, but it takes its lead from the Scottish Highlands and Islands model, and is tailored to the needs of a small community of 2,000 people.”
Also behind the proposal is Rod Paris and Malcom Matthews.
While the States of Alderney have welcomed the idea, they emphasised that much work would be needed before it could be considered as a viable option.
In a statement, the island’s politicians said: “We welcome ideas from the public and thank the group for its concept which we will review with interest as we develop the strategy for solving our connectivity issues.
“In the meantime, no doubt the group will continue to develop their ideas into a feasible and deliverable proposition that could be taken to the market.
“A successful air transport model will only emerge once we have clarity on the runway’s dimensions. Until then, such ideas are theory rather than a sound business plan.”
The future of Alderney’s runway is in limbo after tenders for work on it came in at £37m, well in excess of the budgeted £24m, and a review of the options began again.
