Loganair to start Exeter flights

Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen here we come

Exeter is to connect with the North and England and Scotland by air for the first time since Flybe went bust with the news that a Scottish carrier is to begin services from Devon.

Flights to Edinburgh begin on Monday 6 July and to Newcastle two weeks later. A one-stop service to Aberdeen via Newcastle also starts on that date.

The Edinburgh service flies five times per week, and Newcastle and Aberdeen daily on weekdays. The services to Scotland will also allow connectivity on one ticket the length of the British Isles from the far south west of England to the Scottish islands. Seats are now on sale.

The routes, taken over from Flybe, will all be operated using Embraer regional jets. They will operate under “Safe Steps to Healthy Flying” protocols which Loganair recently announced - becoming the first UK airline to set out detailed plans on how customer safety will be maintained in the light of coronavirus. Loganair’s initiatives mirror those later announced by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Loganair Chief Commercial Officer Kay Ryan says: “With many businesses turning their thoughts to re-starting work after the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK’s regional air connectivity will be more important than ever.

“For the sake of the recovery of the UK economy, we must enable key workers across the oil and gas, construction, service and healthcare sectors to travel swiftly, comfortably and safely throughout the country.

“As well as providing travel guidance on which basis businesses can plan, we believe today’s announcement will also lend confidence to people looking forward to visiting families and friends once social restrictions permit.”

Matt Roach, Exeter Airport managing director, said: “In the middle of a difficult period for aviation and UK business as a whole, this marks the first signs of recovery and gives a much-needed boost to regional air connectivity. We’re delighted to welcome Loganair to Exeter Airport for the first time, particularly as it secures key routes to Newcastle and Edinburgh for our region and customers.”

The Glasgow-based airline has been one of the few to have aircraft in the air during the crisis, continuing to provide essential services throughout on its key lifeline routes to the Scottish islands during April and May. It is now in the process of bringing services back to regional airports across the UK.