Loganair has taken over five Flybmi routes from Aberdeen and Newcastle and has also expressed interest in operating the Derry-Stansted route.
The airline initially announced it would operate three of Flybmi’s routes from Aberdeen to Bristol, Oslo and Esbjerg, then later said it has taken over flights from Newcastle to Brussels, Belgium, and Stavanger, Norway.
Loganair stepped in after Flybmi ceased trading on Saturday.
If Loganair manages to secure the Derry-Stansted route, it will be a welcome move for passengers travelling from Northern Island to the mainland. Yesterday, City of Derry airport tweeted: "We are reviewing options for resuming the service with another airline as soon as possible."
The airline has a record as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) provider and knowledge of the Derry market as it already operates to Derry from Glasgow.
Announcing the Aberdeen routes, Loganair described the move as a ‘significant expansion of the airline’s Aberdeen base’ and said it ‘will come as great relief to the city’s business community given the importance of the routes’.
It also said the routes would mean it would be recruiting more pilots, cabin crew and engineering support staff.
However, Aberdeen flights won’t start until March 4. more than two weeks after Flybmi closed. Newcastle flights will launch on March 25. Seats go on sale today.
Using a 49-seat Embraer 145 aircraft, Loganair will operate daily weekday rotations between Aberdeen and Esbjerg, as well as six services per week to Oslo weekdays and Sunday
Passengers can also travel with Loganair to Bristol six days per week, excluding Saturdays, with two southbound services scheduled each Sunday.
The airline will also provide early morning double daily rotations between Newcastle and Brussels between Monday and Thursday, while also operating two evening departures on Friday and Sunday.
In addition, it will operate six services to Stavanger from Newcastle on weekdays and Sundays.
The move will considerably expand Loganair’s presence at both airports. The airline already operates over 50 flights flights per week from Aberdeen.
Managing director Jonathan Hinkles (pictured) said: "It’s always really sad to see an airline go out of business, and our thoughts are with all those affected – particularly staff members.
"We’re working on employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and engineering support staff to strengthen the Loganair team.
"There is no doubt that trading is tough, but Loganair is, we believe. in the strongest position of any UK regional airline.
"We’ve done a lot of work over the last two years to secure our future as an independent regional airline, and despite the challenges posed by fuel and carbon costs and Brexit, we are strongly placed to take up new opportunities as they arise
"Our new routes from Aberdeen complement our existing activity across a distinct geographical area, acting as a logical fit with our network."
Flights are available at Loganair.co.uk and via appointed travel agents.
