Aurigny’s Strategic Fleet Realignment: Sale of Embraer E195 to Azorra
After a decade of service, Guernsey’s government-owned airline, Aurigny, has decided to sell its sole Embraer E195 jet to Azorra, a US-based aircraft leasing firm. This move marks a significant shift in Aurigny’s operational strategy, emphasizing a transition towards a more sustainable and economically viable fleet composition.
Initially acquired in June 2014, the Embraer E195, registered as G-NSEY, was primarily operated on the profitable route between Guernsey Airport (GCI) and London-Gatwick Airport (LGW). However, the complexities associated with maintaining a single jet type in the fleet—such as the need for specific spare parts, specialized pilot and engineering training, and distinct regulatory approvals—contributed to increased operational challenges and costs. These factors, compounded by profitability struggles, prompted Aurigny to reconsider its fleet strategy.
The decision to sell the Embraer was not taken lightly. According to Aurigny’s CEO, Nico Bezuidenhout, the aircraft, while excellent, was not economically feasible in the long term. The jet’s capacity to carry 122 passengers was often not met with sufficient demand, leading to unprofitable flights. Additionally, the aircraft’s operation on short-haul flights between Guernsey and London exacerbated wear and tear, impacting its efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
On July 16, 2024, Bezuidenhout emphasized the importance of fleet simplification as a key strategy for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of Guernsey’s air connectivity. The airline has now shifted its focus to turboprop aircraft, specifically the ATR72, which offers better suitability for the carrier’s operational needs and financial constraints.
The Embraer E195 ceased operations on Aurigny’s Guernsey-London route in April 2024 and was subsequently utilized as a backup aircraft across the airline’s network until May 2024. It was then moved to Exeter Airport (EXT) for storage and maintenance. On July 9, 2024, the aircraft performed an air test from Exeter to Guernsey, presumably as part of the handover to Azorra. Following this, it was ferried back to Exeter Airport on July 11, 2024, before being leased onwards by Azorra.
The sale of the Embraer E195 is part of a broader restructuring by Aurigny, which now operates a streamlined fleet of three ATR72s and two Dornier 228s, supplemented by seasonal leases of an ATR42 and a Saab SF340A. Azorra, on the other hand, continues to expand its portfolio, managing over 100 aircraft and leasing them to 38 operators across 32 countries, with commitments for additional aircraft, including Airbus A220s and more Embraer models.
Michael Davis, Chief Marketing Officer of Azorra, remarked on the continued high demand for the E195 model and expressed enthusiasm about assisting Aurigny with this transition. This strategic realignment by Aurigny aligns with broader industry trends towards optimizing fleet efficiency and sustainability.