Loganair of Scotland will be picking up some of the routes that have been left behind after the failure of BMI Regional during the weekend.
The airline will pick up the following routes out of Aberdeen and Newcastle:
- Aberdeen to Bristol (commences 4th March)
- Aberdeen to Oslo (commences 4th March)
- Aberdeen to Esbjerg (commences 4th March)
- Newcastle to Stavanger (commences 25th March)
- Newcastle to Brussels (commences 25th March)
For routes originating from Aberdeen, there’s a short break of just under a month before traffic resumes. Routes out of Newcastle will have just under a two month wait.
The routes are available to be book on Loganair.co.uk, along with other distribution channels such as travel agents and GDS’s
In quotes
Jonathan Hinkles. Loganair Managing Director 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 are evaluating flybmi’s wider network and assessing routes which align with Loganair’s distinct geographical area and overall strategic plans. We are also working on employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and engineering support staff to strengthen the Loganair team.”
In relation to BMI Regional and Loganair being owned by the same holding company, the airline adds
The two airlines are separate businesses, operating separate aircraft fleets on their own distinct route networks. As such, the closure of bmi Regional – which flew Embraer Regional Jet aircraft on routes throughout 12 European countries – has no impact on Loganair’s continued operation, which predominantly uses turboprop aircraft on routes within the UK and in particular to, from and within the Scottish Highlands & Islands.
The same challenges that have led to bmi Regional ceasing operations, including uncertainty around intra-European traffic rights post-Brexit, do not impact Loganair’s business.
“Loganair expects to return to profit in the current financial year, is carrying record passenger numbers on many of its routes and is in a strong financial position,” said Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles.
We are actively working on options to offer employment to a number of bmi Regional staff members whilst at the same time monitoring developments elsewhere in the UK regional airline sector which could present opportunities for Loganair.”
Adding back connections… but can they fill the seats?
With BMI Regional filling on average 18 seats on a plane that can fit 35 or 49 passengers, the challenge LoganAir will have is to fill the extra seats to ensure a route is viable in the long-term.
And not just on one or two flights – but on near enough every flight.
The regional market is a very tough place in the United Kingdom, with airlines falling out-of-the-way, or being brought up by other interests, and whilst market conditions continue to be in a state of flux, it will take careful planning and revenue management to ensure that services go out as full as they can be to ensure they remain viable in any length of term.
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