Jet Fuel Supply Monitoring and Assurance
Airline Aurigny will continue to monitor jet fuel supplies but does not anticipate any shortages for the next four to six weeks, according to the company's chief executive.
Nico Bezuidenhout stated that Aurigny had received assurances from multiple suppliers and airports confirming short-term fuel availability in both Guernsey and the UK.
However, he noted that the States of Guernsey-owned airline is currently spending approximately 120% more on fuel compared to the period before the outbreak of the Iran war.
The Ports of Jersey also commented on fuel sourcing, highlighting that fuel is obtained from a diverse range of countries, which supports maintaining a dependable and resilient supply chain.
Global oil and gas supplies have been disrupted due to the near-complete halt of shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway since the war began on 28 February.
In response to these developments, Aurigny introduced a temporary £2 fuel surcharge on new bookings last month, acknowledging that the islands are not immune to the challenges presented by the global travel ecosystem.
'Soaring Jet Prices'
The airline further announced plans to reduce some flights on several routes between mid-April and early June.
"Oil pricing and jet fuel pricing has had a material effect on cost structures, so we took the proactive step of reducing approximately 12% of our flight capacity," Bezuidenhout told BBC Radio 4 on Friday.
He added this was "not due to concerns in terms of jet fuel supply, but rather to ensure we get higher levels of load factors - and in that way, try and reduce the impact of soaring jet prices on consumers."
Bezuidenhout explained that some of the impact of rising fuel costs was mitigated because 20-50% of Aurigny's fuel volumes were hedged at fixed pricing.
"Depending on what aircraft type you operate, a narrow-bodied aircraft ranges from about $600 to $2,100 per flight hour in extra cost.
Our jet pricing has gone up approximately 120% since the start of the Iran crisis."
Despite the increased fuel costs, Bezuidenhout emphasized that Aurigny does not expect shortages in the short term.
"For the next four to six weeks, there is supply certainty both on the Guernsey side as well as on the UK side.
We've had assurances from multiple suppliers and airports, and we'll have to continue to monitor it."
A spokesperson for the Ports of Jersey stated that it works closely with its partner ATF, the aviation fuel supplier and operator at Jersey Airport.
"Jet A1 fuel is sourced via a major UK/global supplier from a diverse range of countries, helping maintain a dependable and resilient supply chain," they said.
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