Loganair’s ATR aircraft introduced to skeleton air service

What would have been a more notable event in different circumstances, Loganair has begun using its ‘new to the service’ ATR planes on its remaining services to Shetland and Orkney.

Seen here at Sumburgh Airport yesterday (Wednesday) the ATR42-500 can carry up to 72 passengers.

The airline’s chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “It’s our first ATR42-500 service to Sumburgh and the combined Sumburgh/Kirkwall service on the emergency timetable will see the new aeroplane quite a bit.

“Even though the passenger loads are low, we still need to fly the new aircraft to build up operational experience and we’ll be periodically using the larger aircraft during the period of the emergency timetable where circumstances permit.”

Loganair has already flown ATR planes to Sumburgh without any passengers ahead of the planes going into full service.

The airline is currently running a skeleton schedule across its network during the coronavirus crisis and for Sumburgh that includes essential services and a limited timetable of flights connecting Shetland with Aberdeen and Kirkwall.

Travel is limited to those who live on the islands, who have an essential need to travel to or from the mainland, and for essential supplies or business.