New Norway link

NORWEGIAN airline Bergen Air Transport will launch a twice-weekly service between Sumburgh and Bergen later this month.

The new service, starting on 24 November, hopes to capitalise on established trade links between Shetland and Norway, particularly in the energy and marine sectors.

The airline will operate a 12 seat Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft flying the route on Mondays and Thursdays.

The new air service is supported to the tune of £70,470 by economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE’s Shetland area manager Rachel Hunter said: “Good transport links are essential to a successful and globally competitive region.

“These new weekday flights will allow much greater ease of travel, with businesses benefitting from reduced travel costs and improved productivity through reduced time spent travelling.”

“Over time, it is hoped that this improved connectivity will facilitate even stronger business links between Shetland and Norway.”

Bergen Air Transport business development manager Tom Roll added: “The service between the two airports represents a very effective connection and we trust that the business communities in Shetland will find the service attractive.

“We are very excited and eager to start up and we look forward to discussing further expansion of the service should the demand be there.”

Flights can be booked at www.bergenair.co.uk