News / Loganair for sale
The company’s CEO reassured customers that the airline would remain committed to its island roots
SHETLAND Islands Council has said it will be watching developments with “great interest” after it emerged at the weekend that Loganair is going to be put on the market.
The UK’s largest regional airline, which is based at Glasgow and employs around 840 staff, provides lifeline services to Scottish island communities, including Shetland.
On Monday, council leader Emma Macdonald said that “at this stage” not much information about the company’s plans were available, adding that whatever comes next for Loganair “will be of great interest to us all”.
On Sunday, the airline’s chief executive Jonathan Hinkles confirmed newspaper reports that the sole owners of the company, brothers Stephen and Peter Bond, had decided “to appoint advisors to review options for the sale of Loganair”.
Hinkles said on Monday Loganair has been serving communities in the Highlands and Islands for over 60 years.
“We appreciate the news of a potential change of ownership of the airline could raise some questions about our future, but we’d like to reassure everyone that we remain deeply committed to our island roots.
“Our plan remains the same; to continue our investment in growing our fleet and routes in order to provide safe and secure travel for all of our Highlands and Islands communities.”
In a statement issued at the weekend, the airline said: “The airline is trading profitably and has repaid its Covid-19 bank debt ahead of schedule.
“It will very much continue to operate as it is today, with no changes to routes, services or employment.
“Passenger numbers are growing and 50 per cent ahead of pre-pandemic levels, and our fleet renewal programme is also well advanced, continuing apace over the coming months.”
“The Bonds – Stephen is now 72, Peter is 61 – are committed to finding the right future owner for Loganair, who will act as its custodian for the next generation, just as they and previous owners have done.
“In the meantime, they remain wholehearted supporters of Loganair until any process is successfully concluded.”
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