Aurigny wants the islands to develop services together

The company's managing director, Malcolm Hart, said island routes simply did not sustain multiple carriers.

He said he believed if a Channel Island Director of Aviation was appointed, residents would have a better chance of seeing more services and new routes.

Both islands are already in talks about a joint airline licensing authority because of competition concerns.

Developing services

Malcolm Hart claimed both islands had to develop services together.

He said: "From an air transport point of view, the islands are so close together that we have a fundamental interest in air links.

"We need airlines to develop services for both islands, so let's do it together."

Both Jersey and Guernsey's commerce departments are in talks about a joint airline licensing authority.

It is being seen as a possible way to resolve a conflict of interest because Guernsey's States owns Aurigny and regulates all airlines which operate in the Bailiwick.

Commerce Minister Stuart Falla said he believed the best way to reconcile the conflict was to encourage more competition.