Loganair Extends Scottish Inter-Island Services for 4 Years
Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, has been awarded a four-year extension to its contract for providing essential inter-island services in Scotland. The new agreement with Orkney Islands Council will see Loganair continue to operate crucial lifeline public service routes between several islands in the Scottish archipelago, which heavily rely on air services for everyday community needs.
The contract extension, effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2029, ensures Loganair will maintain its vital role in connecting islands with Kirkwall Airport (KOI) on Orkney. The routes covered by the agreement include those linking Orkney with the islands of Westray, Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, Eday, and Stronsay.
Notably, the route between Westray and Papa Westray is famed in aviation circles for being the world’s shortest commercial flight, with a flight time of around two minutes. Loganair operates this route using its eight-seat Britten Norman Islanders, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to providing unique and essential services to these remote communities.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer of Loganair, expressed his satisfaction with the contract renewal, emphasizing the significance of the inter-island services. “The inter-island services between Kirkwall and the neighboring islands are vital for the communities who rely on air transport for personal and professional needs. We are pleased to continue providing these services, ensuring the islands remain connected for the next four years,” he said.
Loganair has a long history of serving the Orkney Islands, having pioneered the inter-island services in 1967, in collaboration with the Orkney Islands Shipping Company. Over the years, the airline has maintained these crucial air links, connecting islands like North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Eday with Kirkwall, with two Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander aircraft based at Kirkwall Airport. The airline currently carries around 20,000 passengers annually on these services, which play a key role in delivering essential services like education, healthcare, and mail to Orkney’s North Isles.
Mellissa Thomson, North Isles Councillor and Vice-Chair of the Development and Infrastructure Committee for Orkney Islands Council, praised the extension of the contract. “Our inter-isles air service is vital to our communities, whether it’s providing access to the mainland for residents or offering an alternative to the ferry for visitors. Loganair has served us loyally over the years, and we are pleased to continue our partnership,” Thomson stated.
The contract extension highlights Loganair’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable air travel for the island communities in Orkney and the surrounding areas. The airline’s experience, dedication, and long-standing relationship with the Orkney Islands ensure that these vital air links will continue to support the communities that depend on them.
As the airline prepares for another four years of service, it remains an essential part of life on the islands, ensuring seamless connectivity and contributing to the region’s continued growth and development.
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