‘Arrangements’ in place for oil and gas flights after Eastern Airways suspends all services
THE COMPANY which subcontracts Eastern Airways to provide charter flights for offshore oil and gas workers at Sumburgh Airport says arrangements are in place to “minimise any impact” to the service.
The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on Monday that Eastern Airways has suspended all operations after it filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator.
The UK regional airline operated oil and gas charter flights via Sumburgh Airport for one client, understood to be BP, taking workers to Shetland before onward helicopter travel to offshore rigs.
It remains unclear exactly what the impact on local employment is, with a request for more details to Eastern Airways from Shetland News remaining unanswered at the time of writing.
Eastern Airways was subcontracted by helicopter firm Bristow to operate fixed wing services between Sumburgh and Aberdeen.
Loganair also runs oil and gas charter flights from the airport.
A spokesperson for Bristow said: “The news from Eastern Airways is saddening for everyone involved with the industry.
“Bristow has arrangements in hand with our clients to minimise any impact to service.”
Meanwhile Loganair has offered “rescue” fares to anyone affected by the situation with Eastern Airways on Aberdeen/Kirkwall and Aberdeen/Sumburgh routes.
It has also offered assistance to any Eastern employees – pointing them in the direction of the Loganair recruitment team.
Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said he was “deeply saddened” to hear the news about Eastern Airways.
“The news will be deeply unsettling for everyone at Eastern, from flight crews and engineers to operations and customer service teams,” he said.
“These are professionals who have given so much to keep Britain connected through some of the most challenging times our industry has ever seen. At Loganair Limited we’ve shared airspace, airports, and a common purpose with Eastern Airways for many years.
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“We’ve competed, we’ve collaborated, and above all, we’ve respected the professionalism and resilience of their people. To everyone affected please know that our thoughts are with you.
“Aviation is, above all else, a people business, and today our thoughts are firmly with the people of Eastern Airways and their families.”
Prior to flying from Sumburgh, Eastern Airways operated oil and gas charter flights at Scatsta before the airport closed in 2020.
It also worked in partnership with Flybe when the airline went head-to-head with Loganair at Sumburgh in 2017 before pulling out.
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