Search aircraft temporarily grounded

Channel Islands Air Search has said its aircraft is temporarily grounded due to an issue affecting air traffic worldwide.

The voluntary service said the issue, relating to the aircraft's registration provider, had resulted in a decision by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ground hundreds of aircraft across the world.

It said it had already initiated the process to transfer its aircraft registration to an alternative provider.

The Guernsey and Jersey coastguards and emergency services have been formally notified the service is temporarily unavailable, it said.

"We recognise the vital role Channel Islands Air Search plays within the community and want to reassure the public that we are working as quickly as possible within regulatory processes to return the aircraft to operational service," it said.

"Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

"We would like to thank our volunteers, emergency services colleagues, and the wider community for their continued support and understanding."

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