Major new contract for Skybus

Skybus, the airline of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, has announced a major new contract to provide two aircraft to Aurigny Air Services of Guernsey.

The new contract will commence on 1 November 2025.  Two further DHC6-300 Twin Otter aircraft, a type flown for over 30 years on the Isles of Scilly’s lifeline air links, will join the Skybus fleet to service the new contract.  These will operate in Aurigny colours to and from the island of Alderney, serving Guernsey and Southampton routes that Aurigny has served continuously since 1968.  

As with Skybus’s operations in Scilly, the 17-seat aircraft will also play an integral role in the delivery of air ambulance, mail, freight and pet travel services to and from Alderney.  Skybus will provide replacement aircraft from within its fleet to cover periods of maintenance, a step which will be important in delivering a high level of resilience for Alderney’s air links.

These will be operated under a multi-year agreement between Skybus and Aurigny, covering provision of aircraft, maintenance, crew training and insurance.  

Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this new long-term contract today.  The new arrangement will bring together nearly 100 years’ experience of island air services in Aurigny and Skybus to deliver for the Alderney community and at the same time, strengthen our existing long-standing business in the Isles of Scilly.”

The Directors expect that the agreement will be beneficial to Group profitability and will facilitate continued investment in Skybus’ operational infrastructure to deliver both the new contract and its existing services.  Together with other steps being taken within Skybus, it is expected that the Group’s aviation division will return to profitability in the financial year to 31 March 2026.