Aurigny Airlines

Aurigny doesn't sound like a typically British name, and it isn't really. The name comes from the Norman name for the northern Channel Isle of Alderney. The local language there was closer to French since historically the island shared roots with both France and England. The language has since become extinct due to the influx of English migrants.

Aurigny Airlines was founded in 1968 to serve as the first air carrier for the Channel Islands and is based near Guernsey. The airline is owned completely by the state of Guernsey and it was the first commercial operator to link the areas of the Channel Islands with the UK and France as well. Ownership did pass from Aurigny Aviation holdings to a private company called Close Brothers Private Equity in 2000, but the state of Guernsey reclaimed it in 2003.

Aside from its commercial flights to western France and to the United Kingdom, the airline also delivers overnight mail for British Royal Mail. The airline employs almost 300 people throughout its serviced areas in the Channel Islands and in the UK and continental Europe. Aside from its base in Guernsey, Aurigny has travel hubs at both Jersey Airport and Alderney Airport.

As of May, 2007, Aurigny serves the following destinations in the United Kingdom from its base at Guernsey Airport: Southampton, Manchester, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Bristol. Aurigny operates flights between these locations in the Channel Islands: Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey. The airline also takes advantage of its proximity to continental Europe by offering flights to locations in western France as well. Using any of their travel hubs there are flights available to Dinard, Pleurtuit and Saint-Malo.