Regional airline Eastern Airways has resumed flights on the route between Aberdeen and Newcastle as activity increases in the energy industry.
The post-lockdown return comes 20 years after the route was introduced, building on the Humberside – Aberdeen connection it launched with back in 1997.
A six-days-a-week service will cover the distance in under an hour, providing a vital link for the transport-reliant offshore oil, gas and renewables industries.
Roger Hage, general manager at the Humberside-based airline, said: “We welcome the return of the service to our Newcastle base, restoring the North East – Scotland connection.
“As passenger confidence and energy related activity increases, we want to ensure the right services are being offered. Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places. Ensuring the North East’s main hub airport of Newcastle is connected to Aberdeen is part of our wider return, adding further services at hubs we already serve and a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery.”
Eastern Airways’ regional tubroprop aircraft. (Image: Eastern Airways)He said the return had been welcomed positively by many businesses, both in the North East of Scotland and England, as well as passengers who travel to the Northumberland, Tyneside and Durham region for leisure.
Mark Beveridge, operations director at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “It is great to see Eastern Airways return with its Newcastle service.
“This route will be warmly welcomed by our passengers and adds to the routes that strengthen our connectivity in the North East of Scotland. Bringing business back to the region with safe travel is a key priority but there remains a long road ahead for aviation in the UK and the thousands of people employed within our industry.”
The service will operate on low-emission regional turbo-prop aircraft, supporting both the airport and airline’s strategies towards sustainability.
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Richard Knight, chief operating officer at Newcastle International Airport, said: “The connection between Newcastle and Aberdeen is vital for the region’s economy and many businesses that operate in the offshore sector.
“This September marks 20 years since Eastern Airways began operating flights between the North East’s largest airport and the city of Aberdeen. We are delighted that the airline has chosen to resume this important route which will benefit many businesses as they begin the road to recovery from the pandemic.”
Eastern’s services have been increasingly reintroduced as Covid-19 restrictions ease and travel confidence returns, with extensive cleaning.
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