More flights agreed for Tiree and Barra
MORE flights are to be added between Glasgow and Barra and Glasgow and Tiree.
To increase capacity, Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, announced the following measures will begin in the summer:
22 additional return flights from Glasgow to Tiree through a re-deployment of capacity from winter 2018-19 to summer 2018.
22 additional return flights from Glasgow to Barra in May and early June.
Up to 40 additional return flights from Glasgow to Barra from late June to October through a re-deployment of capacity from winter 2018-19, subject to ongoing discussions with the Barra community.
Mr Yousaf said: ‘We have consulted with the communities of Tiree and Barra to see how we can improve their air services and address capacity concerns over the summer months. These additional services will ensure we are maximising the potential of these services during the busiest time of year, supporting local economies and improving connectivity for these remote communities.
‘The majority of extra flights will be created by moving a bank of rotations from the winter timetable, while still meeting demand during that time of year. This will create more capacity during the summer and reduce the number of empty seats across the year.
‘We are also providing around £18,000 in additional funding to bring in the additional Barra flights in May and June. We are committed to supporting our remote communities and these improvements will help do that.’
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar chairman of transportation and infrastructure Councillor Uisdean Robertson said: ‘The comhairle is very pleased to hear of the announcement by the minster for transport and the islands that air services between Glasgow and Barra are to be further enhanced.
‘Consistent with the preferences expressed by the community on Barra, greater connectivity and capacity on this route is something the comhairle has been pursuing with the airline for several years and, with the assistance of HITRANS, provided financial support for the provision of additional flights during the peak periods of summer 2014 and 2015 on a trial basis.
‘The success of this persuaded Transport Scotland to add the additional flights to its PSO service on a permanent basis. The latest development demonstrates the continuing commitment that both Scottish Government and the airline have to the service.’
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan also welcomed the news. ‘I am pleased to see the Scottish Government working constructively with the community in Barra to increase flight capacity during the busy summer months,’ he said.
‘Barra is easily one of the most attractive places in Scotland for tourists to visit. These changes should help benefit the local economy, while making it easier for residents to get to and from the mainland.’
Councillor Donald Manford added: ‘A decision to support a continued increase in flights between Barra and Glasgow, particularly in this economic climate, is phenomenal. The confidence the Scottish Government has in our resolve to grow our economy and our community is inspiring.
‘The freedom to increase summer flights even further by redeploying some winter flights will be given careful consideration. On winter days, when it is clear two flights cannot be achieved, the freedom to redeploy them is a significant development. On other flights we must be extremely alert not to curtail the enormous economic opportunity to continually expand our travel season.’