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Guernsey's airline to provide ground handling at Gatwick

Aurigny's contract with Skybus is for ground handling, not leasing an aircraft to the south west operator.

A number of articles have appeared in the aviation press suggesting that Skybus will begin leasing a Blue Islands ATR aircraft and then an Aurigny ATR. 

Aurigny says this is not the case.

It provided ground handling at Gatwick for Eastern Airways' Newquay Cornwall service and will now provide that handling for Skybus.

The south west carrier successfully applied to Cornwall Council for the subsidised route, known as a PSO, in the short term following the collapse of Eastern recently.

In a statement to Island FM, Aurigny confirmed the business arrangement has nothing to do with aircraft leasing:

"Skybus intends to participate in the tender process for the longer-term supply of the NQY PSO contract, and Aurigny will continue to support Skybus in these endeavours. 

"It is worth clarifying that this support is not envisaged to entail the reallocation of Aurigny’s aircraft fleet or human resources."

Aurigny has a separate contract with Skybus to fly the Alderney routes.

One aircraft is already in use, and a second Twin Otter is expected soon, in Aurigny colours.

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