OpenTube

Last Takeoff: Saying Goodbye to Aurigny’s Dornier Aircraft

Travel In The Know

23,682 views

In this historic episode of Travel In The Know, we witness the end of an era as Aurigny Air Services bids farewell to its iconic Dornier 228 NG aircraft.

Join us as we accompany the Dornier on its final flights between Guernsey and Alderney—a lifeline route that has connected these island communities for decades. This is more than just a flight… it’s a special moment in aviation history.

✈️ In this video:
• We fly onboard the last-ever Dornier services
• Hear from pilots, ground staff, and airline management about what this aircraft has meant to Aurigny and the islands
• Discover the history and legacy of the Dornier on this unique route
• Enjoy stunning aerial views of Guernsey and Alderney’s beautiful coastlines
• Experience a touching water cannon salute from the local fire brigade marking the aircraft’s final departure

This is a story of aviation heritage, community connection, and a fond farewell to an aircraft that has served with character.

If you love aviation, island life, or stories that capture a moment in time—you won’t want to miss this one.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Travel In The Know for more unique journeys and behind-the-scenes travel experiences.

#Aurigny #Dornier228 #FinalFlight #AviationHistory #Guernsey #Alderney #TravelInTheKnow #IslandLife #AvGeek #FarewellFlight

20 Comments

@TravelInTheKnow Creator 6 months ago Pinned

I know I’ve been away for a while! But I hope you enjoy this … something a bit different! More coming soon! Philip

@msf60khz 2 months ago

When I first flew to Alderney on business in about 1965 it was a de Havilland Heron, 4 Gypsy Major engines from Gatwick. I remember a man at the pub was operating a DC3 Dakota for medivac to the mainland.. He told me that the previous night he set off from Alderney and was trying to get a S Coast aerodrome to open for him, he had a diver with the Bends on board. Later I went to Alderney in the Islander aircraft. Glad to see the Divers and the Campangnia are still there and my wonderful radio tower above Battery quarry but I think my two 30 foot dishes have gone.

@timbassford7701 6 months ago

People seem to have forgotten that Aurigny operated Twin Otters into Alderney in 1980 and the reason for their departure stated that they were unsuited to the route. Short sector engine damage and corrosion were a couple of the factors given at the time, so how will they be better now? The internet seems to have erased much of their presence at that time.

@user-cq3wy8rb6i 6 months ago

Aww the days of the Aurigny Trilanders, on the way to Dinard, with Grammar School students on a trip to Normandy! Thank you for these reports. Missing Guernsey.🇬🇬

@phillarnach9484 5 months ago

Remember being at the Dornier airfield ( can't spell or pronounce the name) south of Munich when the 228 was doing its initial certification around 1983. We were there having some modifications done to our Australia bound Mitsubishi MU300.

@nicholasstokes8330 6 months ago

A great video to commemorate the final flight of the Dornier. Thankyou.

@NikkisNosh 6 months ago

A fascinating send off for one aircraft that has delivered for Alderney and Guernsey . I have never been in a small aircraft and so it was interesting to see. I admit to crying a little seeing the aircraft being given the 2 fire jets welcome. I have to say, everyone at Aurigny all behave like they are part of one big happy family. You must have excellent reviews from your passengers. Thank you, Philip and thank you to Aurigny for some great interviews.

@Bob-kb5pv 6 months ago

We used Aurigny back in the 80's when I worked for BT. We used to fly out from Southampton On one occasion we chartered one of their aircraft to fly a group of us plus equipment out from Exeter. The aircraft they used then had three engines, one on each wing, and one on the tail. A member of the company came over with the piolet and the first thing he did when we landed, was jump out and put a prop under the tail.

@Piltdownpaul 6 months ago

Pity about the music over the take off, we could have heard the engines spool up for the last time.

@paulcrawley390 6 months ago

Flown with Aurigny many times on the Trislander and ATR-76

@Jonno180556ADI 6 months ago

A small family airline called Suckling Airways used to fly a Dornier out of Marshall’s Cambridge many years ago.

@patrickbirley-aviation 6 months ago

So sad to see them go, but amazing that their replacements are some 40 years old, almost a giant leap back! But the only cool way forward in my view, so cool either way!

@GaryMaygeronline 6 months ago

Loved this one Philip. What an aircraft and important service this has been for Aurigny

@AstrogeoJay 6 months ago

I never really took to the Dornier, no doubt a good aircraft and I am sure the pilots loved it, but i'll always be a Trislander fan, grew up with it, saw it almost daily for over 40 years and of course I read the little yellow plane adventures, i still have most of those books! I miss seeing and hearing them they had such a distinctive sound. I like the Twin Otters though, it would be great if one was painted up in retro 80's Aurigny colours.

@davewood9888 6 months ago

Somewhat ironic that an aircraft design first flown in the very early eighties is being replaced by a mid sixties design.

@johannesfeigl5309 6 months ago

I have flown in dorniersbetweenlondon ciy sirportand zurich.lovely planesvery comfortable.enjoyed every flight!😊

@GreenoEats 6 months ago

A very interesting insight into not just that particular aircraft, but the lifeline that this route provides the people of Alderney. I haven't ever been to the Channel Islands - well not yet anyway!!