Loganair has axed two routes from Aberdeen following a “root and branch review” under its new chief executive.
The UK’s largest regional airline, said it is “taking decisive action to stabilise and bring resilience to its core flying network” under Luke Farajallah, who took over after the sudden departure of previous chief Jonathan Hinkles.
The airline announced it will be axing flights from the Granite City to Teesside and Newcastle, as well as between Glasgow and Southampton from May 10.
Several other services will see “minor adjustments” to frequency, in varying stages, until the end of the summer schedule on October 26.
'Decisive action'
The airline, which has suffered major disruption to its schedule from an aircraft replacement programme. said its “decisive action” was needed to improve operational performance.
Mr Farajallah said: “Since my first day as CEO of Loganair last month, I have been listening carefully to feedback from our loyal customers and hard-working crew, and I want to personally apologise to everyone who has been impacted by the unacceptable levels of disruption that have been experienced for over 18-months whilst the airline has been undertaking a re-fleeting programme.
“We appreciate the changes we are announcing today may impact some customers whose bookings may need to change. While we apologise to customers affected, this decision is one that has been made for the greater good of the vast majority of customers who must be able to book and fly with confidence, especially from some of the most remote parts of the UK."
Airport route talks
The announcement, made at 3pm yesterday, came as a surprise to Aberdeen International Airport, which is now seeking to find another operator for the affected routes.
A spokesperson for the airport said: “In making this announcement Loganair cited the need to address recent operational challenges and focus on core routes.
"We are, of course disappointed as much of our current focus is on adding new routes to and from Aberdeen to better serve our business and leisure customers.
"We intend to speak with other operators about backfilling the Newcastle and Teesside services which are vital to the energy sector in particular.”
Russell Borthwick, chief executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, added: "Hard on the heels of the Green Party’s call to tax people off flights to and from Scotland altogether, this news comes as a blow to the business communities of both the North-east of Scotland and North-east England.
"The Chamber has already offered to work with the AGS Airports team to find alternative options. Aberdeen more than any other region of the UK is dependent on air connectivity to enable our internationally-focused economy and ensure we do not become just a distant Northern outpost. Securing the future of our airport and connections to key hubs and cities will be central to our future success."