Loganair says it is ‘extremely pleased ‘ to be awarded the public service obligation airlink between City of Derry Airport and London Southend – following a competitive tender process – with tickets on sale today.
Glasgow based airline will provide daily services between the North West and London Southend Airport – one of the most convenient gateways to the UK’s largest city and the South East.
While Loganair has operated the PSO route since February when it was appointed as interim operator following flybmi entering administration, the service will move from London Stansted to London Southend – from October 27.
London Southend Airport is a short 52-minute train journey into central London’s Liverpool Street, served by up to six trains per hour from the airport’s dedicated train station – only 100 metres walk from the terminal.
Meanwhile, on the return trip the compact airport is extremely easy to navigate compared to other London transport hubs.
Loganair has designed a 26 service per week schedule which enables a full day of business in London, with services departing at 7am on weekdays and returning at 7.25pm.
The airline is also operating a 9am Saturday service and two well-timed Sunday flights, allowing for Friday to Sunday weekend breaks either side of the Irish Sea.
Awarded by the UK Government’s Department for Transport in partnership with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, the route will be served by a 49-seat Embraer 145 aircraft – with every ticket including 20kg of complimentary hold baggage, 6kg of cabin baggage and an inflight refreshment.
Loganair managing director, Jonathan Hinkles, said: “Following a competitive tender process, we are extremely pleased to have been awarded the PSO route between London and the City of Derry – extending Loganair’s excellent long-standing relationship with City of Derry, where we were the first airline operator over 40 years ago.
“London Southend is a highly convenient entry point to England’s capital and the South East, serviced by its own dedicated train station only 100 steps away from the airport terminal.
“Together with our business focused schedule, generous inclusive baggage allowance and attractive frequent flyer scheme, this latest phase of partnership between Loganair and London Southend Airport will significantly enhance air connectivity in the North West, generating lasting benefits for both the region’s economy and our customers.”
Loganair already provides regular services from Glasgow, Aberdeen, Carlisle Lake District and Stornoway to London Southend Airport, carrying almost 10,000 customers each month into the airport.
It also operates services between City of Derry and Manchester as well as Belfast to Carlisle Lake District Airport.
Clive Coleman, Regional & City Airport’s Contracts Director, a Director of the management company at the Airport stated: “We are absolutely delighted to retain this important air link between City of Derry Airport and London.
“It is fantastic news that Loganair has been appointed to operate the Public Service Obligation to London Southend, offering adequate capacity at competitive fares and timings that are conveniently scheduled for a full working day at either destination”.
Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation, which owns and operates Southend Airport, said: “We are delighted London Southend has been selected to help retain this important daily link between Derry and London, which is vital for both business and tourism.
“New early and late trains, along with up to six services an hour to London Liverpool Street in 52 minutes, bring Derry and London closer than ever and show just why we are fast becoming the capital’s quickest and easiest airport to use.”
The PSO contract between City of Derry and London Southend has been awarded for two years with the potential of a one-year extension.
Tickets are now on sale from £39.99 and can be booked at www.loganair.co.uk or by calling 0344 800 2855.
Customers who have booked to travel to London Stansted after October 27 will be contacted and offered a refund or a free-of-charge alternative reservation to London Southend.
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