Loganair awarded Derry to Stansted PSO route
Loganair has been selected as the new operator for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract to secure Derrys sole air service to London, following the weekends news that previous operator flybmi has entered insolvency.
Above:
London Stansted Airport.
Courtesy MAG
In a further major boost for City of Derry Airport, Loganair has also announced a new daily service to Manchester.
As part of the contract, the airline will begin operating to London Stansted from Wednesday 27th February, providing two services each weekday and on Sundays alongside a single Saturday flight as part of a Derry City and Strabane District Council PSO contract - a move which will come as great relief to local travellers given the importance of the route.
On 24th May, Loganair will commence daily services to Manchester on board a 49-seat Embraer 145 jet aircraft. With a flight-time of only 70 minutes, this brand new link will offer a convenient gateway to the North West of England and worldwide flights with Loganair’s partner airlines at Manchester. The region’s economy is booming and Manchester Airport’s rail station offers excellent onward connectivity throughout the north of England.
The Scottish airline already provides service between Derry and Glasgow five days per week – having stepped in to safeguard the route following Ryanair’s withdrawal last year. It has a long history of service at City of Derry Airport, and was the first airline to fly commercial services there back in April 1979.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Managing Director said: “We’re extremely pleased to be selected to operate the essential Derry to Stansted air service following completion of a competitive tender process. I know the news about flybmi created great uncertainty, so we’re focused on recommencing operations as quickly as possible.”
“The route is an important link to London and the South East with a schedule which has been tailored to the needs of the business community – enabling a full day of work in the capital before an evening flight home. The weekend services will also be attractive to leisure passengers who can chose the length of a short break.”
“Our new Manchester route marks a further expansion of the airline’s destination map from Derry, building our relationship with the airport and providing even more choice to customers. With a robust economy and diverse cultural offering, we’re excited to connect the two cities.”