This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Eastern Airways expands in Highlands
08/11/2004
Eastern Airways is to expand its operations in the north
of Scotland with a new route to Inverness and increased
service to Aberdeen from Wick.
From early next year Caithness travellers will be able
to access around 30 onward connections from Aberdeen and
Inverness, significantly increasing their choice of
connections within the UK and internationally.
The increased service was made possible by an additional
subsidy of just over £100,000 from the Scottish government
to Highland and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL).
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"This is a service the people of Caithness have long
called for and I am delighted Eastern Airways have today
announced their commitment to air links in the North.
"I welcome HIAL's support for this service. Effective
air links are essential to a thriving economy and strong
communities.
"From the beginning of next year Caithness travellers
will be able to fly to London and return home that day, a
massive boost for the Highland's business community."
Eastern Airways' Scotland Director Graeme Ross said:
"By basing an aircraft at Wick, I believe we are
demonstrating our commitment to the area, and in particular
to the local business community.
"This enhanced service means that passengers who start
their journey at Wick now have access to around thirty
additional onward connections.
"It will also protect the jobs of existing employees
based at the airport and result in extra jobs for ground
staff and cabin attendants.
Bob Macleod, managing director of HIAL, said:
"We are delighted that Eastern Airways continues to
expand its operations in the Highlands.
"The airline has played a major part in route
development in the region in the past two years and this
new triangular service opens up many new opportunities for
the people of Caithness and for air travel between
Inverness and Aberdeen."
Eastern Airways operates some 750 scheduled flights each
week and will carry approximately 500,000 passengers this
year on a network embracing Aberdeen, Belfast
International, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Humberside,
Inverness, Isle of Man, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted,
Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham East Midlands,
Southampton, Teesside and Wick.
Eastern Airways' fleet comprises British Aerospace
J32s/J41s; Saab 2000 and Embraer 145 regional jet
aircraft.