Trip Report: GCI-JER-GCI

Well today I have been in Jersey on another spotting trip, I have had a fantastic time watching all the aircraft, which were certainly in abundance. So here is my report, enjoy.

Saturday 2nd August
Guernsey-Jersey, Aurigny Shorts 360 G-BPFN
08:30am-08:45am

Firstly we quickly check in at Guernsey 20 minute before the flight departed, as this is all the time inter-island flights need. Really quite an easy check in with no significant cues at the check in desks and so after a short wait in the departure lounge boarding commenced. We boarded on to the Shorts 360 parked to the west of the apron and boarding was hasty from the back. Quite full I suppose though it is a small aircraft so no delays in taking off. Shortly after boarding there was a safety demonstration then we taxied up to runway 27. At the terminal were a few Aurigny aircraft and two Channel Express Fokker 27s at the cargo area. We were quickly airborne with a route today taking us out westerly towards the coast and then turning right hugging the south coast with Guernsey airport visible on the left side of the aircraft. It was a relatively low flight heading southeast and while nearing approach we hugged the north coast of Jersey and then turned sharply on to the runway where we landed. The weather produced some fantastic views of Sark and the other islands, which were complemented by the large Shorts 360 windows.

After landing we went straight through arrivals and then headed to the main departures terminal for breakfast. The Jersey terminal is completely different to Guernsey’s, large modern architecture with a real international feel to it with a few shops whereas Guernsey’s current terminal is small, aged though friendly in character. Breakfast was good and gave us time to prepare where we would go. I decided that I didn’t want to stay in main terminal as it was warm and very busy so instead we walked up along the main road and around to a path that is right behind the runway. This area gives excellent take-off views and fantastic arrival views with the aircraft flying right overhead. I stayed here for about 2 hours viewing ERJ 145s of bmi and Citiexpress, BAe 146s of Flybe and Dash 8s of Citiexpress and Flybe, predictable but fun in such large quantities. My favourites were the British Airways 737-500, which I had hoped might fly in to Guernsey this year but no such luck and also the Aer Arran ATR 72.

Around 12p.m lunch was nearing with some frantic spotting and photography leading to a hungry stomach. The trouble was that there are no restaurants as it is situated in the country but we settled for a pub lunch that was okay though nothing special. So then at around 13.30 it was down to a small lane that is next to the runway where all the spotters go. From here I saw the VLM Fokker 50 in the special livery, an IAC BAe 146 being leased by Flybe, Swiss Saab 2000 and the typical regional jet types.

Saturday 2nd August
Jersey-Guernsey, Aurigny Shorts 360 G-BPFN
1800 p.m.-18.15 p.m.

At 16.30 p.m. it was back to the terminal after a long walk right around the perimeter. The flight was not till 18 p.m. so I went up stairs to the viewing area were bmibaby was in a first for me, Aer Lingus BAe 146 and Eurowings ATR 72. I waited here for an hour and then it was check-in time and finally off to gate 14, the special Aurigny area. Security had longish cues though they quickly went down. Again the aircraft was G-BPFN. Quickly boarding commenced and for 18 p.m. we were in the air. 10 minutes over the sea then descent began with views from my side over St. Peter Port and towards the north of the island. Landing was quick with an arrival time of just before 18.15 p.m. just after a Flybe. Dash 8 from Southampton, and then shortly after that we were in the terminal and heading back home.

All in all a good day though probably a bit long, Aurigny’s summer schedules doesn’t have an earlier departure times than 18 p.m. in the evening so it was a bit inconvenient though I did see a lot of aircraft so it makes up for it. Sadly I didn’t see the Braathens 737, which annoyed me. But anyway, I enjoyed myself even if I did get sunburnt. Also I was part of an Aurigny milestone today, it was the busiest day in their history. They carried 1,950 passengers as the BAe 146 was introduced today allowing a 25% increase in passenger numbers so it is nice to say I am part of that landmark.

Questions/Opinions valued.