‘Signs of recovery’ as airline restoring services

Flights from Aberdeen to Birmingham and Newcastle are to resume, as Loganair begins restoring full services.

The first flights to Birmingham and Newcastle are set to take off today.

Services to Birmingham will operate on four days each week – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – before building from late August to two flights a day in each direction and a Sunday service.

Loganair took on the Birmingham route following the collapse of Flybe in March.

Flights between Aberdeen and Newcastle will operate every weekday afternoon and on Sundays, building to a twicedaily schedule by mid-July.

Loganair is the largest operator at Aberdeen Airport.

Jonathan Hinkles, the airline’s chief executive, said: “With many businesses turning their thoughts to restarting work after the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK’s regional air connectivity will be more important than ever.

“For the sake of the recovery of the UK economy, we must enable key workers across the oil and gas, construction, service and healthcare sectors to travel swiftly, comfortably and safely throughout the country,” he added.

Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, which owns and manages Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, said: “We are working closely with many of our airline partners to assist them with their restart plans, so it is reassuring to see that Loganair will not only increase frequencies on existing services, but will also commence flights on a number of key regional routes lost through the collapse of Flybe.

“Aviation continues to face huge challenges. However, it is heartening to see signs of recovery and AGS Airports Ltd stands ready to help get what is a resilient industry back on its feet.”

Picture: PA.