New route from Aberdeen to ‘London’s Best Airport’ takes off

The first Loganair flights between Aberdeen and London have officially taken to the skies, as the airline’s direct services to London Southend Airport celebrated their inaugural departure.

Aberdeen Airport’s Managing Director, Steve Szalay, Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Managing Director and Chris Foy, Chief Executive of Visit Aberdeenshire were in attendance for the first service – while customers were served sandwiches and scones to mark the occasion.

A major boost for the North East’s connectivity with England’s Capital, the new business focused schedule follows a period of overall reduction in Aberdeen’s airlinks to London.

Customers from the Granite City can choose from three non-stop flights to London Southend each way every weekday, together with Sunday services, all operated by Loganair’s Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft. The schedule is designed to enable a full working day in the capital before an evening flight home.

Flight times are only 1 hour and 35 minutes, followed by short, 100-step walk to London Southend Airport’s dedicated railway terminal where customers can board one of five peak time trains per hour to London’s Liverpool Street Station – only 52 minutes away.

On their way home, customers can enjoy a quick check-in through security in an airport which is much easier to navigate than larger London Airport’s.

Loganair’s Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles says: “Air connectivity with London is incredibly important for the North East of Scotland where there has been significant capacity reduction to other London airports of late.

“We’ve specifically created a schedule which is optimum for those travelling for business during the week, with day-return schedules in addition to our rewarding frequent flyer programme: Clan Loganair.

“It is an ideal partnership, bringing together the European Regions Airline Association’s Airline of the Year and Which? Magazine’s Best Airport in London, working in tandem to provide year-round services from Aberdeen with an entirely new offering for our customers.

“London Southend is the ideal gateway to the city, providing a well-connected and convenient entry point via an airport which is extremely easy to navigate. All our tickets include 20kg of complimentary luggage and in-flight refreshments, the only airline flying from Scotland to a London Airport today that offers these perks within its base fare, that also starts from just £49.99.”

Asides from its baggage allowance and inflight offering, customers also have access to a competitively priced fully flexible fare, enabling last minute schedule changes as well as lounge access and fast track security at all airports.

Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Connectivity and infrastructure act as the bedrock for business growth within the Aberdeen city region.

“When it comes to our global connectivity, the ability of Aberdeen International Airport to attract and retain routes is paramount and the airport team is working incredibly hard to ensure that these routes are replaced and that further routes are created for business users.

“We welcome the launch of this new service to London which provides commuters in the North-east with greater access to the south.”

Steve Szalay, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Airport said: “The introduction of the Loganair London Southend service brings a welcome boost to our London options.

“With a rail link just outside London Southend’s terminal building, business and leisure customers can reach Liverpool Street Station within an hour – perfect for meetings in the City or for travelers heading to the central London for shows in the West End or shopping in New Bond Street.

“We hugely welcome the London Southend route that offers customers a new alterative on the sunny Essex coastline.”

Chris Foy, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeenshire said: “The new service from London Southend to Aberdeen opens up the majesty of this part of Scotland to residents of London, Essex and beyond.

“The convenient flight times and great service from Loganair complement the warm welcome we offer to holiday makers and business travelers who are looking for an authentic Scottish experience.”

Reservations for the route can be made online at www.loganair.co.uk or by calling 0344 800 2855.