Early bookings for new Paris air link are encouraging

Aurigny has sold 65% of available seats in April, with more sales expected in the run up to the service launch. Bookings for the rest of the summer are also looking encouraging, with nearly 40% of all available seats already sold up to October.

Aurigny will operate flights to and from Paris every Friday and Monday, throughout the year, using its 72-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft.

VisitGuernsey is working with a Paris-based PR agency to raise our profile in the region and within the wider French community. Throughout the year 20 French journalists will be visiting the islands of Guernsey from traditional press, specialist magazines to influencers who will generate media coverage throughout France.

Targeted marketing initiatives are also in place including social media, digital display advertising, consumer mailers and a joint digital campaign with Aurigny Air Services to strengthen our connections in France.

The Committee for Economic Development is supporting the launch of the Paris air route through the provision of start-up financial support. The support will be provided on an underwrite basis, i.e. only to the extent that it is required, based on the actual performance of the service.

Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said:

‘Early sales, prior to the new route launching, tell a good news story. We expect sales will further increase in the months ahead but I’m confident these early numbers show the Committee’s decision to back this route was solid. The financial support we have committed to diminishes with increased sales and based on the early bookings we’re already at a level where that support will be much lower than the maximum we earmarked for the first year. Through VisitGuernsey’s efforts we will continue supporting the route, particularly in the French market.’

Nico Bezuidenhout, CEO of Aurigny, added:

‘Consumer response to the launch of our Paris services has been positive, with advance bookings for our first month of operations, in April 2024, standing at 65% and steadily improving as we get closer to the start of operations. As with the establishment of any new regular route, we expect that a full season of operations would be required to more accurately judge sustainable year-round demand, but we are pleased with the level of demand so far.’

Ends

Notes to Media

The Committee for Economic Development will support the launch of the Paris Charles de Gaulle air route through the provision of start-up financial support, over the course of a three-year trial period.

This will be done on an underwrite basis, meaning that the funding will only be provided to the extent that it is required, based on the actual performance of the service.

In 2024 (from April onwards), the Committee will provide funding up to a maximum of £324,000.

Funding for subsequent years will be subject to an annual performance review.

The maximum funding amounts that are planned for each subsequent calendar year are as follows:

• 2025 (full year):           up to £391,500;
• 2026 (full year):          up to £327,000;
• 2027 (Jan to Mar):      up to £77,500.’