Aerospace

Loganair starts services between Derry and Stansted

Posted 28 February 2019

Loganair has commenced operations between Derry and London Stansted after being selected as the new operator for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract between Northern Ireland’s North West and England’s capital.

Above: Nick Millar, London Stansted’s Operations Director and Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s MD.
Courtesy Loganair

The inaugural service set-off at 7.05am yesterday, after a short ceremony at the airport sound-tracked by a traditional Scottish piper and attended by Loganair’s managing director, Jonathan Hinkles.

A return service from London Stansted arrived into Derry later Wednesday morning at 10.35am and both trips were operated by a 49-seat Embraer 145 aircraft.

Above: Loganair Embraer 145 jet aircraft.
Courtesy Loganair

Loganair is providing two services each weekday and on Sundays alongside a single Saturday flight as part of a Derry City and Strabane District Council PSO contract.

It is the airline’s second route from City of Derry Airport, adding to its Glasgow to Derry service which launched last October. The carrier also recently announced a daily schedule to Manchester, again on board at 49-seat Embraer 145 jet aircraft.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director said: “We are very pleased to be able to continue the vital air link between Derry and London Stansted.

“Bookings have extremely been positive which only re-enforces how important this route is to the region. We look forward to building on a successful start with the new Derry to Manchester schedule starting the 24th May.

“Both Stansted and Manchester will operate on our Embraer 145 jet aircraft, and with our existing Glasgow service brings the total routes served by Loganair from Derry to three.”

All reservations include 20kg of complimentary hold luggage and passengers are eligible to join Loganair’s loyalty programme, Clan Loganair.

Airport Manager at City of Derry Airport, Charlene Shongo, outlined: “The double daily service between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted, (exception Saturday when there is one service) has already proven very popular with business and leisure travellers throughout the North West with Loganair indicating strong sales to date.

Mrs Shongo concluded: “City of Derry Airport is a vital piece of transport infrastructure and is the airport of choice for the North West of Ireland, offering both convenience and excellent customer service. I would encourage all travellers to ‘Fly Local and Choose CoDA’ when making future travel arrangements. We have fantastic facilities on our doorstep and it is essential everyone takes advantage of their local airport for future air travel where possible.”

Mark Souter, London Stansted’s Head of Aviation Development said:“We are delighted to today welcome Loganair’s inaugural flight from the City of Derry Airport to London Stansted. The service provides quick and convenient access to the vibrant and fast growing London-Stansted-Cambridge economic corridor as well as connections to a network of 200 destinations, including daily flights with Emirates to its Dubai hub.