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Aurigny founder dies aged 90

Aurigny founder Sir Derrick Bailey has died aged 90.

Sir Derrick was recently admitted to Guernsey's Princess Elizabeth Hospital but died at his Bluestone Hill home in Alderney on Saturday.

Malcolm Hart, Aurigny's managing director, led tributes to Sir Derrick.

He said: "We were deeply saddened to hear about Sir Derrick's passing.

"Sir Derrick was a fascinating man from another time. I got to know him quite well and last year while we were planning our 40th anniversary celebrations I learned a lot about his early years and the setting up of the company. I was fascinated to learn that he was once a test pilot, his brother married one of Winston Churchill's daughters and Lord Kitchener was one of his godfathers.

"The legacy he has left Alderney in the shape of Aurigny is quite remarkable. How many other small island communities of Alderney's size and population could boast its own airline which employs so many people? Aurigny is one of the oldest commercial airlines in the world and it is down to Sir Derrick's foresight, and his father's racing colours, that 'the little yellow plane' has played such an important part in Channel Islands life for so long."

Alderney's President of the States, Sir Norman Browse, said the island would have been totally lost had Sir Derrick not launched Aurigny 41 years ago.

"Sir Derrick's contribution to Alderney has been the development of Aurigny. Without it we would have been totally lost. It has been vital to our survival.

"He was also an extremely pleasant and active member of the community, particularly at the golf club. Sir Derrick was a very nice gentleman who we have all enjoyed knowing."

Buy next week's Journal (out July 4) to see the full report.

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