Loganair boom time

LOGANAIR recorded its busiest ever month in June – transporting over 8,000 passengers between Shetland and Aberdeen amid a massive boom in the oil and gas industry.

The airline, which runs the franchise on behalf of budget operator Flybe, said the surge in demand was down to the energy boom but also an increase in tourist numbers. Loganair recently introduced a higher capacity Saab 2000 aircraft.

As an “added incentive” it is releasing a further 1,000 seats in August on the Sumburgh-Aberdeen route at its lowest fare, with a single journey using the Air Discount Scheme starting at just under £40.

The lower fare is available on the 6.40am Aberdeen-Shetland service and the return north, which leaves the Granite City at 7.40pm. Loganair points out that the fare is cheaper than an adult, peak time single on the ferry between Lerwick and Aberdeen.

Loganair chief operating officer Phil Preston said: “It is a fantastic achievement to announce an all-time record month for the Aberdeen-Sumburgh route.

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“The route has always been one of our most popular but the recent surge in demand is extremely encouraging. Much of the interest has been due to the success of the oil and gas industry off the coast of Shetland but we’re also seeing a rise in tourists choosing to holiday on the islands.

“Using our new 50-capacity Saab 2000 aircraft, the journey time between Sumburgh and the mainland is less than one hour, making it a convenient link between the two airports.”