Flybe has agreed a new five-year franchise deal with Eastern Airways which will see the Humberside-based carrier operate its scheduled route network under the Flybe brand.
The two airlines have signed Heads of Terms to establish their new alliance, under which they will share revenue and risk.
The agreement covers four Eastern aircraft, which will take over existing Flybe routes from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.
The four aircraft will operate under the Flybe franchise in a move which the carrier claimed would ‘significantly’ improve connectivity for Scotland.
Contracts are expected to be finalised and signed, ‘within the next few weeks’. Tickets are already on sale for six routes that will operate under the joint venture.
The routes on sale are between Aberdeen and Sumburgh and Kirkwall, Edinburgh and Glasgow and Sumburgh, Glasgow and Stornaway and Glasgow and Manchester.
Flybe CEO Christine Ourmieres-Widener said: "This alliance with Eastern Airways is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Flybe network.
"We already operate flights at a number of common airports and this will enable passengers to connect to a greater number of destinations, across the UK and into Europe, all booked through flybe.com.
"Eastern will operate routes from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Manchester to offer an enhanced service to passengers based in Scotland and travelling to Scotland. Combined with our flights to Heathrow from Edinburgh and Aberdeen, this demonstrates our strong commitment to serving Scotland."
Eastern boss Richard Lake added: "This alliance will benefit both airlines as not only does it strengthen Flybe’s network, but broadens our ‘distribution and enhances connection opportunities for our customers through its global airline association.
"We have specialised in fixed-wing flying in the oil and gas market for many years and our expertise will provide a greater opportunity to further develop offshore connectivity to Flybe’s network."
