Second Twin Otter ensures 'operational robustness'

An airline has announced the arrival of a second Skybus Twin Otter aircraft as a permanent addition to its Guernsey fleet.

Aurigny said it was an "important development" which would ensure the "highest possible levels of operational robustness and reliability for the essential lifeline routes from Alderney to Guernsey and Southampton".

It added if one aircraft was having technical issues the second aircraft would be able to take over operations.

It hoped this would minimise delays and provide back up when medical evacuations were required from Alderney.

The aircraft's arrival follows a pledge from Aurigny to "strengthening operational robustness" to reduce cancellations of flights to Alderney.

The airline said one aircraft may occasionally be off island for a few hours in order to ferry crew or return to Land's End for technical checks at Skybus. But having two permanent planes based in Guernsey would provide "the highest level of technical back up in the recent history of Alderney air services".

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