Air Alderney (London Biggin Hill) is expecting to take delivery of its first BN-2 Islander "shortly subject to the restrictions on travel being lifted" as it edges towards launch despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the start-up said via its Facebook page.
"We are not immune or unaffected from the changes within the industry, however, work here at Air Alderney has continued relentlessly and as a result, we have been able to minimize the effect on our plans for Alderney. We are still looking to be operational this year," the airline said.
The start-up was originally destined to use BN-2 G-BJED (msn 2119) which it took delivery of, but never deployed into service, in 2017. After a myriad of delays, Air Alderney revised its plans with a February 2020 launch date pencilled in earlier this year. However, it was forced to reapply for route licences covering Alderney to Guernsey, Jersey, Lee-on-Solent, and Cherbourg after the original permits expired in 2018.
Upon its launch, Air Alderney will become only the second airline in the Bailiwick of Guernsey after Aurigny Air Services (GR, Guernsey).
The start-up said that while it would not be commenting on its links to an online petition asking for the development of air services to Alderney, branded as Alderney Airlinks. The campaign has been reportedly connected with the proposed deployment of electric-powered BN-2 Islanders under PSO contracts. However, Air Alderney did not deny being linked to said plans.
"The most important statement we need to make at this time is, we have not abandoned Alderney. We will make further comments regarding the ‘Alderney Airlinks’ website and the ‘Electric Islander’ project shortly," it said.
