FLYBE’S decision to charge for carrying luggage has sent Aurigny’s profits soaring, managing director Malcolm Hart claimed yesterday. Audited accounts for 2006 show a pre-tax gain of £480,000 - easily surpassing its budgeted loss of £276,000.
‘I thought Christmas had come early when I found out what they had planned last year,’ said Mr Hart.
‘Our improved punctuality and efficiency have played an important part, but Flybe’s decision to charge for baggage really helped.’
The States-owned airline carried 7,132 more passengers compared with 2005 and Mr Hart said that vindicated his decision to refuse to charge baggage fees.
Anglo Normandy Aeroengineering, also owned by the Aurigny Group, had a more difficult year, reporting a loss of £225,000.
But Mr Hart said the maintenance firm was vital to the group’s success. ‘Business was quiet this year, but we always expected a loss,’ he said.
‘Unless hell freezes over, Anglo Normandy will have a much better year this year.’
Despite that loss, the group fielded an overall profit of £255,000.
‘It’s a performance of which I’m proud,’ said Mr Hart.
‘We had some difficult times a few years back, but turned the corner to make what we consider to be the best airline available to passengers in the Channel Islands. Our passengers recognise this and I’m extremely grateful both for their loyalty and for the determination of my workforce in striving to exceed our customers’ expectations.’
He attributed Aurigny’s success to the goodwill of islanders and said it further justified the root-and-branch restructuring the company undertook in 2004.
Mr Hart also praised the group’s 309 employees for improved punctuality - 90% of flights left on time and 96% within an hour of their schedule. Efficiency also improved, with 69% of all seats booked - up 3% on the previous year.
Article posted on 17th May, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: