Loganair launches new routes and increased frequency

Loganair has announced a major expansion of its operating network with the launch of three new routes and increased frequency on key routes within Scotland that will benefit travellers.

In a joint announcement with its franchise partner Flybe, Scotland’s airline has unveiled a new route from Aberdeen to Cardiff which will start in April and new direct routes across the Irish Sea from May that link the Isle of Man, Belfast and Blackpool.

Additional flights will also be added to existing routes, including Inverness to Stornoway, Edinburgh to Sumburgh, Glasgow to Benbecula and Glasgow to the Isle of Man.

Loganair and Flybe are working hard to ensure that 2009 is a strong year for domestic tourism as more Brits are expected to holiday at home to beat the recession. Attractive exchange rates will also make UK destinations a viable alternative for tourists from Europe and North America.

David Harrison, Chief Executive of Loganair, said: “We are delighted to announce a significant expansion in our operating network with new routes, additional services and improved departure times between some of our most popular Scottish destinations.

“We are hopeful that events such as Homecoming Scotland will lead to an increase in domestic travel, and we’ll be doing our best to encourage this by offering more low fare flights. The new schedule which we’re announcing today provides additional connections that can only be good news for Scottish leisure and business travellers alike.”

“New routes, improved departure times and additional services all ensure that passengers have the widest possible choice, whether they have a meeting to attend and need to get back the same day or plan to holiday in some of the more remote parts of the country.”

He added: “At Loganair we are constantly seeking to improve our service and, with Flybe, today’s announcement is another step towards ensuring our passengers get the quality service they have come to expect from Scotland’s airline at a competitive price.”

From April 19, Loganair will introduce one return flight between Aberdeen and Cardiff each week day and on Sundays to cater for the oil and gas industry. Direct flights from Isle of Man to both Belfast and Blackpool will be launched on May 3.

Improved scheduling on the route linking Edinburgh and Inverness will make a business day return possible for the first time, while an enhanced Inverness to Stornoway timetable will now offer four return flights each weekday.

In addition, the Edinburgh to Sumburgh route will be expanded to three return daily flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday over the summer months and the Glasgow to Benbecula service will increase to three return flights a day on Mondays and Fridays from June until September.