Flybe forging Eastern link

It is the first step towards finalising a five year franchise partnership under which Eastern will operate its scheduled route network under the Flybe brand.

Four aircraft will operate under the Flybe franchise and significantly improve connectivity for Scotland, with routes including:

Glasgow – Stornoway: Up to 3 flights a day

Aberdeen – Sumburgh & Kirkwall: Up to 3 flights a day

Edinburgh & Glasgow: Sumburgh: Daily flights

Glasgow to Manchester: Up to four flights a day

Full details of individual schedules are available at www.flybe.com

The aim is for contracts to be finalised and signed within the next few weeks, with tickets on sale from today at www.flybe.com for the six routes that will operate under the joint venture.

One way fares are from £49.46 including taxes and charges and effective for travel from 1st September 2017.

Christine Ourmieres-Widener, Flybe CEO said: “This alliance with Eastern Airways is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Flybe network. We already operate flights at a number of common airports and this will enable passengers to connect to a greater number of destinations, across the UK and into Europe, all booked through flybe.com.

“Eastern will operate routes from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Manchester to offer an enhanced service to passengers based in Scotland and travelling to Scotland. Combined with our flights to Heathrow from Edinburgh and Aberdeen, this demonstrates our strong commitment to serving Scotland.”

Richard Lake, Chief Executive of Eastern Airways, added: “This alliance will benefit both airlines as not only does it strengthen Flybe’s network, but broadens our distribution and enhances connection opportunities for our customers through its global airline association. We have specialised in fixed-wing flying in the oil and gas market for many years and our expertise will provide a greater opportunity to further develop offshore connectivity to Flybe’s network.”