Pilot shortage as 85% of flights on time

About 85% of Aurigny flights were on schedule in June, the States-owned airline has said.

The company said it had begun producing monthly updates to improve communication and build trust between itself and its passengers.

A lack of pilots was the main reason for flight cancellations for the company, which said it planned to combat with its new pilot development partnership.

Aurigny said it had hired seven new pilots to help support a "more reliable schedule", adding that attracting and retaining talent was a challenge, mainly due to Guernsey's cost of housing.

The airline flew more than 53,000 travellers and completed 95% of all flights, with statistics including weather and air traffic control restrictions which were "beyond the airlines control".

It said: "There were a number of cancellations caused by weather in June.

"The majority of the remaining cancellations were due to short-term pilot availability - the same issue that's also affecting other airlines across the industry.

"With a lean pilot workforce, managing sickness presents particular challenges."

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