Wednesday 10 August 2016
The Policy & Resources Committee has finalised the terms of reference for its strategic review of Aurigny.
The Policy & Resources Committee had previously agreed that a review of the role and objectives of Aurigny was essential to help the States of Guernsey, as shareholder, determine how the airline can best serve the needs of the Bailiwick.
The terms of reference is divided into three sections, each with various sub-questions, which the review will address; Aurigny's role in the future, public service and social role of Aurigny, and Aurigny as an economic enabler.
At a recent meeting the committee also confirmed the review panel's membership:
- Deputy Lyndon Trott (Vice President of the Policy & Resources Committee) - Chair of the review
- Stuart Falla MBE (Chairman of the Sport Commission)
- Dr Andy Sloan (Director of Financial Stability at the Guernsey Financial Services Commission)
- Tim Robins (Guernsey Chamber of Commerce council member)
- James Dent (Alderney-based transport economist)
- Paul Smith (Guernsey International Business Association council member)
A significant part of the panel's work will be to take in the views of the Bailiwick community. As such it is encouraging written submissions from anyone who wants to have their say. Submissions must be emailed to steve.wakelin@gov.gg by 30 September 2016.
The panel will also hold meetings with interested parties and, following receipt of the review's findings, a report will be prepared and submitted by P&R in early 2017 with clear recommendations for the States of Deliberation to consider.
Vice President of the Policy & Resources Committee Lyndon Trott, who will lead the review, said:
'P&R considers that the many issues surrounding our air and sea connectivity currently present the Bailiwick with its number one strategic policy challenge. With this strategic review of Aurigny, we have a genuine opportunity to make material and potentially far-reaching policy recommendations with regard our airline's direction, particularly as an economic enabler.
'The review will build on the work being undertaken by the Committee for Economic Development on air route development and will help set clear and long-term policy and economic aims for Aurigny.
'We are delighted to have appointed a panel with such expertise, who are prepared to invest their time in this vital piece of work. The panel wants to hear from as many people and groups as possible, so I would urge all those who wish to have their say to do so via email by the deadline.'
Notes to media
STRATEGIC REVIEW OF AURIGNY - TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Aurigny's role in the future
1.1 What kind of service do we want Aurigny to offer in three, five and 10 years' time, and how do these needs differ in Guernsey and Alderney?
1.2 How should Aurigny best balance the priorities of (a) economic enablement and (b) providing a public service for both Guernsey and Alderney in delivering that service in the future?
1.3 How might pricing policy, franchising, inter-lining agreements and code-sharing support this?
1.4 To what extent, if any, do the length of the airport runways impact on Aurigny's ability to deliver this service?
1.5 How does the licensing system need to support Aurigny reaching these objectives?
1.6 How might Aurigny integrate with other transport networks?
1.7 If Aurigny was a purely commercial business, what would it cease doing and why; and what would its commercial growth plans look like if it was freed from the requirement to provide any social provision?
2. Public service and social role of Aurigny
2.1 How can Aurigny best meet the needs of the communities in Guernsey and Alderney to support (a) economic development (b) health links and (c) sports links?
2.2 How can these needs best be met in terms of pricing policy, route prioritisation, timetabling and types of aircraft?
2.3 What type of public service obligations and/or service level agreements would best support this?
3. Aurigny as an economic enabler
3.1 What objectives should be given to Aurigny in order to strengthen Aurigny's economic enablement role in the short, medium and long term?
3.2 What initiatives could be adopted to ensure the business customer experience is further improved?
3.3 What can Aurigny learn from other small airlines with regard innovative customer care?
3.4 How can Aurigny help in driving visitor number growth and improve fare competitiveness, the quality and reach of marketing, the visibility and quality of website and booking capability and collaboration with destination tourism offices and airports?
3.5 What type of timetabling and air route prioritisation would best support the business and visitor economy needs of Guernsey and Alderney?
