Loganair (LM/LOG) is launching two new jet routes from Aberdeen Airport (ABZ/EGPD) putting in direct competition with regional rival, Eastern Airways.
Flights to Newcastle and Norwich commence on September 1st and the airline says it is in response to poor service on the routes currently operated by Eastern Airways.
Loganair cites Civil Aviation Authority data which shows that almost 25% of Eastern Airways flights on the routes were cancelled and only 65.5% departed on time in 2018 which the airline says shows Eastern Airway’s inability to deliver a reliable air service for customers in the North East.
Loganair already has established bases at Aberdeen and Norwich which will allow it to offer a reliable service using Embraer 145 regional jets.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Commercial Director said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer more choice to travellers between Aberdeen, Newcastle and Norwich. Data concerning the current operator’s reliability between Aberdeen and Newcastle has been rather poor, which is frustrating for customers given the importance of reliability on this route.
“Loganair is immensely proud to sit amongst the top of the league for large UK airlines’ on-time performance, with 82% of services departing within 15 minutes of scheduled departure in 2018. Together with our rewarding Clan Loganair frequent flyer programme, we’re confident this will be welcome news to regular travellers and businesses in the region that depend on these air services.
“The schedule is constructed to offer maximum flexibility for those businesses and the offshore oil and gas industry and we’re looking forward to strengthening our network for the benefit of our customers”.
Links to Aberdeen are important for the Oil and Gas industries and Loganair already offers special flexible fares for Vantage Card-registered oil and gas employees.
Steve Szalay, Managing Director Aberdeen International Airport added: “Newcastle and Norwich share a common link with the energy sector and we welcome Loganair’s new services to both cities.
“Regional connectivity is the bloodline of our business and we’re pleased these services will kick off in September, just as we provide the final lick of paint to our £20 million terminal upgrade project.”
Passengers will also be able to connect to Loganair flights to Orkney, Shetland, Oslo and Esbjerg via the Aberdeen hub.
