Scotland’s Airline Loganair is to launch new services linking Aberdeen, Durham Tees Valley Airport and Norwich, commencing on October 15.
The regional airline will provide up to three weekday non-stop flights between the Granite City and DTVA with one flight on Sunday and will restore air links between the North-East and East Anglia after two decades by introducing a non-stop flight on six days per week linking DTVA with Norwich.
The move will see the introduction of Loganair’s first routes at Durham Tees Valley Airport but adds to its existing presence in Norwich, where the airline employs 25 staff including pilots, cabin crew and engineers to provide regular flights to Edinburgh, Manchester and Jersey.
Both of the new DTVA routes will benefit from a codeshare with Loganair’s sister company bmi Regional. Passengers travelling via Aberdeen can access easy onward links to Orkney, Shetland, the Danish seaport of Esbjerg and Norway’s capital, Oslo.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Managing Director said: “Commencing operations from Durham Tees Valley Airport is another important milestone in Loganair’s 55-year history and we’re thrilled to mark the occasion.”
“The increased connectivity by Loganair will bring tremendous benefits for those involved in the offshore energy industries in North-East, Aberdeen and East Anglia which are home to many different companies and individuals working in both the traditional oil and gas market and the burgeoning renewable energy industry.
“As such we are keen to talk to as many of those businesses as possible, with corporate and agency partnerships of great importance to us.
“Although we’re aware that a competitor already flies between Aberdeen and DTVA, we’re confident in growing this market through our compelling product and excellent customer service.”
“We’re looking forward to beginning a long and successful working relationship with Durham Tees Valley Airport and intend to announce further service developments at DTVA in the coming months.”
The announcement was welcomed by Durham Tees Valley Chief Executive Steve Gill as a ‘real shot in the arm for the airport—and very good news for the region’s business community.’
Explained Mr Gill: “We are delighted that Loganair has shown such confidence in Durham Tees Valley, especially at such an important point in the airline’s development as it prepares to operate flights in its own right from next month after 24 years of operating under franchise agreements with other carriers.”
“We certainly hope that this initial announcement of the new services to Norwich and Aberdeen marks that start of a successful—and growing—partnership with Loganair, who have chosen Durham Tees Valley for the launch of their operations in the North East.”
Added Chris Harcombe, Head of Aviation Development at Peel Airports “Attracting a well-established airline such as Loganair is exactly in line with the strategy we set out in the business plan for Durham Tees Valley to concentrate on supporting and developing services focussed on the business community.”
“The links between our region and the Aberdeen area are, of course, well established and there is a great deal of business synergy with Norwich. Having direct air links to both is of real benefit for our local firms providing goods, services and expertise in these fields.”
North East Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive James Ramsbotham warmly welcomed the Loganair announcement, stressing that strengthening transport links was essential in driving forward the region’s economy.
He added “With both Aberdeen and East Anglia having a strong presence in the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors, there are great opportunities for the many world-class companies in our region and more direct air services are very welcome.
“Loganair’s decision to choose Durham Tees Valley underlines the important role the airport plays in meeting the needs of the business community.”
Councillor Bill Dixon, the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said the Loganair announcement would be widely welcomed, especially by the local business community.
He explained “Our Strategic Economic Plan sees the airport as playing a long-term role in contributing to the competitiveness and prosperity of the Tees Valley and I am delighted that Loganair recognises the potential for developing the kind of routes which can benefit our local companies. This news clearly demonstrates the Peel Group’s continuing support for the airport.
“With both Aberdeen and Norwich as major centres for energy developments, having direct air links from our area underlines the contribution which our airport can make in driving forward economic growth.”
The new services will be operated by a 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft. Flights will leave DTVA at 07:20 (Mon-Thu), 10:20 (Mon-Thu) and 17:10 (Sun-Fri) and 20:20 (Thu-Fri) for the one-hour sector to Aberdeen. Return flights from Aberdeen will leave at 08:50 (Mon-Thu); 13:00 (Sun-Fri) and 18:50 (Sun-Fri), arriving in DTVA one hour later.
Flights from DTVA to Norwich will leave at 14:20 (Sun-Fri), arriving in Norwich at 15:20. Return flights from Norwich will depart at 16:00 (Sun-Fri), arriving in DTVA at 17:00 – saving a 5.5 hour road journey.
Lead-in fares for DTVA to Aberdeen International Airport begin at £69.99 each way while prices for a one-way ticket to Norwich will start at £49.99. All Loganair fares include a complimentary 20kg checked baggage allowance and in-flight refreshments.
The airline also enables customers to pay by credit card without surcharge. Bookings can be made directly via www.loganair.co.uk or via calling Loganair on 0344 800 2855.