Guernsey start up carrier Waves (Guernsey) is hoping to launch a hybrid scheduled and air taxi service within the Channel Islands and to the British mainland in summer 2017, reports The Bailiwick Express.
If the company successfully attains its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), it intends to start offering scheduled services which customers can book through a smartphone app. Flights would run using a leased 14-seat Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravan EX.
Founder and CEO Nick Magliochetti has no aviation experience, but hopes his technology-focused solution will ease a pain point for the islanders for whom reliable transport is a major concern.
Currently, Aurigny Air Services (GR, Guernsey) and flybe. (2002) (Exeter) run scheduled flights from Guernsey, while Jersey is served by flybe. (2002) (Exeter), British Airways (BA, London Heathrow) and easyJet (London Luton).
Responding to ITV News, an Aurigny spokesperson said that safety would be of interest to passengers. "They will need to convince the travelling public that reliance on a single engine aircraft, operating at relatively low altitude, over water, is a good option."
Magliochetti also hopes to cut down security screening times through the use of a private facility but did not elaborate on details.
