Aurigny questioned on 'unsatisfactory' finances

Guernsey's airline Aurigny needs to improve on its efficiency and financial performance to not become a "recurring burden" to the taxpayer, its owner has said.

The States Trading Supervisory Board (STSB), which is the sole shareholder of the airline, said its 2024 loss of £6.5 million was "not satisfactory".

STSB was responding to questions from Deputy Simon Vermeulen, who was asking about the use of leased aircraft.

Previously, Aurigny's chief commercial officer Phillip Saunders said the use of wet-leased aircraft dropped by "at least 75%" in 2025, compared to the previous year.

STSB said public ownership of Aurginy was still justified in the current landscape of Guernsey's public finances.

"As a small island jurisdiction, Guernsey requires reliable air connectivity for its economy, public services and community life," it said

"The market has repeatedly shown that purely private provision does not always guarantee that on acceptable terms, and certainly not free of public subsidy, as the subsidy for the new Heathrow connection demonstrates."

The Economic Development Committee is financially supporting the British Airways route, which launches in April.

Vermeulen had asked STSB if Aurigny had made profit or losses in 2025, but the board refused to answer.

"Aurigny's financial results for 2025 (and 2024 comparators) will be published when its annual financial statements have been finalised and audited.

"In the interim, it would not be appropriate for the STSB, as shareholder, to comment on what the figures will be pending the completion of year-end processes."

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