Flybe to compete with Loganair on island routes

● Anger as airline turns on its current franchise partner

Island air passengers could benefit from the first major competition for decades after Flybe announced it would challenge current partners Loganair on some of their busiest routes.

The dramatic move came after Loganair’s franchise deal since 2008 was “terminated” by Flybe from August after the pair fell out.

Eastern Airways will now operate flights on Flybe’s behalf from September between Sumburgh in Shetland and Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, between Stornoway in Lewis and Glasgow, and between Kirkwall in Orkney and Aberdeen.

Loganair, which flew on behalf of Flybe, will go it alone.

Aviation consultant John Strickland said: “This brings a whole new level of competition to a number of important Scottish domestic routes. The key to success will depend on whether the market grows to allow profitability for both operators or whether it a simply develops into a price battle for existing traffic.”

A Flybe spokesman said: “We believe these new services provide an excellent propo- sition for our Scottish customers, increase market competition, and with the links into the broader Flybe network, provide seamless connectivity to a broad range of UK and international destinations. We are confident customers will value the benefits provided that include larger, faster aircraft.”

Chief executive Christine Ourmieres-widener said: “This alliance with Eastern Airways is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Flybe network.”

However, Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We are extremely disappointed and surprised at this announcement.

“We have been negotiating in good faith with senior Flybe staff about a continuing relationship to ensure customers could connect from all of Loganair’s extensive Highlands and Islands network to the rest of the UK.

“Many of these connections will now be lost as a result of Flybe’s decision.

“Flybe is intent on challenging us head-to-head on a few of our traditional and established routes that make up our extensivenetworkinscotland, but we are Scotland’s Airline, and I can promise them that we are up for the fight.

“We’ve invested a huge amount in the infrastructure – engineers, ground handling, support staff – to provide our Highlands and Islands services and we’re here to stay.”