This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
New Inverness-Newcastle air route
24/04/2006
A new direct air route between Inverness and Newcastle was announced today.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said Eastern Airways will receive funding from the Executive's Route Development Fund (RDF) for the new service which will operate six days a week all year round.
Mr Scott said:
"This devolved government is committed to expanding Scotland's direct airlinks to the rest of the UK.
"Passenger numbers at Inverness airport continue to rise and this new route to Newcastle will provide further opportunities for people in the north of Scotland to visit the north of England and for people in England to visit Scotland's many tourist attractions.
"Our Route Development Fund continues to make a real difference for business travellers and tourists."
Eastern Airways Inverness-Newcastle service will be operated by a Bae Jetstream 41aircraft with 29 seats from June 5.
The Route Development Fund is provided through the Scottish Budget with £14.4 million funding over the period 2005-06 to 2007-08.
The criteria for investment in new air services serving the Highlands are different recognising the area's ability to sustain air services in the long-term. The level of frequency is flexibly applied and the Fund can be used to support intra-Scotland and seasonal services. The aim is that the Fund should be inclusive and embrace all of Scotland's diverse communities.
The Route Development Fund supports new air links where airlines can demonstrate the services will have a direct economic benefit to Scotland. The flights must involve regularly scheduled services and must not undermine existing flights. The exact amount from the fund given to the airline cannot be disclosed due to reasons of commercial confidentiality.
Since it was introduced in 2002, the Route Development Fund has brought £87 million of economic benefit to the Scottish economy. Last year fund-supported routes carried 891,000 passengers.