Plan to increase summer service to Tiree and Barra takes flight
LOGANAIR is to increase services from Glasgow to Tiree and Barra this summer via a new agreement with Transport Scotland.
Extra flights will be added on both routes throughout the peak summer holiday period from June to August, including a total of 17 additional round trips added on the world-famous Glasgow to Barra air link this summer.
The unique service – flown by Loganair operating Transport Scotland’s Twin Otter DHC6- 400 aircraft – lands on Barra’s beach, where flight times are subject to the tides. It is a hugely popular journey for holidaymakers, aviation enthusiasts and locals, and the extra flights will help to meet high demand during the holiday season.
An extra eight flights are also being added on the Glasgow to Tiree route, spread between the Twin Otter aircraft and larger 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft. Three more flights normally scheduled for the Twin Otter will be flown by the larger Saab 340s to provide extra seats around the time of the Tiree 10K in April, the Tiree Music Festival in July, and a gruelling ultra-marathon which takes place on September 10.
The boost to capacity is a result of feedback from island representatives, who are part of Loganair and Transport Scotland’s engagement with communities.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director, said: ‘The summer months are always particularly busy for the airline and we’ve worked closely with Transport Scotland to provide more seats than ever before to Barra and Tiree.’
The Glasgow-Barra, Glasgow- Campbeltown and Glasgow-Tiree air links are extremely important to the remote communities they serve, boosting their economies. All are operated under a public service obligation commitment by Loganair for Transport Scotland.
Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf MSP said: ‘These improvements come following consultation with local communities, so I have no doubt they’ll be welcomed by passengers who depend on the public service obligation routes.
‘Not only will there be additional flights for both Barra and Tiree over the busier summer period, Loganair will also amend the timetables to smooth out the impact of the tidal variations at Barra on the Tiree service. This will offer more continuity and certainty for passengers.
‘These air links play a crucial role for the communities they serve and we will continue to have dialogue with island representatives and Loganair to make sure we’re offering the best possible service.’