Airline saves two routes

LOGANAIR TAKES OVER SERVICES AFTER FLYBMI COLLAPSES

FLIGHTS from Newcastle to two European destinations have been saved after an airline stepped in following the announcement that flybmi was going into administration.

Loganair has stepped in to secure routes from Newcastle International Airport to Brussels and Stavanger, in Norway.

Flights to the two airports were cancelled after flybmi announced it had gone into administration blaming “several difficulties”, including rising fuel and carbon costs stemming from “uncertainty created by the Brexit process”.

Just hours later, Scottish carrier Loganair announced that it will take over the services using a 49-seat Embraer 145 aircraft.

From March 11, the airline will provide early morning double daily rotations between the North East and the Belgian capital of Brussels between Monday and Thursday, while also operating two evening departures on Friday and Sunday.

Marking the first time Loganair has included Belgium within its network, the schedule enables a full working day in the European Union’s administrative capital, overnight trips or a number of different weekend options.

It will also offer six services per week to Norway’s Oil Capital, Stavanger on weekdays and Sunday.

The move will also lead to the Scottish airline establishing an operating base at Newcastle International Airport and the potential for further expansion from the North East.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director, said: “It’s always really sad to see an airline go out of business, and our thoughts are with all those affected – particularly staff members.

“We’re working on employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and engineering support staff to strengthen the Loganair team.

“There is no doubt that trading is tough, but Loganair is – we believe – in the strongest position of any UK regional airline.

“We’ve done a lot of work over the last two years to secure our future as an independent regional airline, and despite the challenges posed by fuel and carbon costs and Brexit, we are strongly placed to take up new opportunities as they arise.

“Our new routes from Newcastle complement our existing activity across a distinct geographical area, acting as a logical fit with our network – while also enabling the exciting development of setting up a base from the airport.”

Flybmi, whose headquarters are at East Midlands Airport, confirmed on Saturday that all flights were cancelled.

Newcastle International Airport has advised affected passengers to consult the airline’s website.

An airport spokesperson said: “We are aware that the airline flybmi has filed for administration.

“The airline operated the Newcastle to Brussels and Newcastle to Stavanger routes.

“Passengers due to travel with flybmi should refer to the information that has been provided on the airline’s website.”

The Civil Aviation Authority has advised affected customers to contact their travel insurance provider to check if their policy covers scheduled airline failure.

Customers have also been advised to contact payment card issuer to try to obtain a refund.