London Southend Airport is to become the capital’s new gateway to Scotland after signing an agreement with Scottish regional carrier Loganair to provide routes to three destinations starting from Spring 2019.
The airline will operate services to Aberdeen, Glasgow and Stornoway. Aberdeen and Glasgow will have three non-stop flights each way every weekday, together with a selection of weekend services, operated by Loganair’s Embraer E145 regional aircraft.
New, one-stop, same-plane services will also be introduced from Stornoway to London, providing direct services from the Highland & Island airports to London. There will also be convenient connections to flights to Barra, Benbecula, Islay, Kirkwall, Sumburgh and Tiree.
Stobart Aviation chief executive officer, Glyn Jones said: “All of us at London Southend Airport look forward to welcoming Loganair as our newest airline in May, when these flights begin.
“With our own railway station just 100 paces from the terminal door, up to six trains an hour into London and our award-winning customer service, we expect these new routes to prove very popular with customers flying to and from Scotland.”
Loganair will be the only airline flying between Scotland and London whose fares all include a 20kg checked baggage allowance.
Loganair’s managing director, Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re incredibly excited to be offering the first new air links between London and Scotland in many years, linking three Scottish airports to London Southend.
“These new fast and frequent flights to London’s favourite airport, together with our inclusive checked baggage allowance and on-board service, make this a hugely significant development both for Scotland-London air links and for Loganair as Scotland’s Airline.”
With a maximum of 49 customers aboard, rapid boarding and disembarkation are standard without needing to pay extra for the privilege. Free refreshments – tea, coffee, soft drinks and Scotland’s popular Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers – will be offered on all flights.
