Press Office :: Bookings surge as volcanic ash ends

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Bookings surge as volcanic ash ends

7th June 2010

It’s back to business as usual for Loganair, Scotland’s airline, as advance passenger bookings bounce back from the recent ash cloud disruption.

Now that the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland has dissipated, Loganair is seeing an increase in bookings of up to 40% across its operating network in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

In addition, Loganair’s operating procedures have now been endorsed by the Civil Aviation Authority so its aircraft can fly in the newly-designated Time Limited Zone - an area where volcanic ash exists but at sufficiently low levels that it does not pose a threat to aviation safety.

This process, which was undertaken in conjunction with the Met Office and General Electric – which makes the engines fitted to Loganair’s Saab 340 aircraft – means that the level of volcanic ash deemed safe for flight operations has doubled.

The new Time Limited Zone and CAA endorsement means that far fewer flights would be delayed or cancelled even if the ash cloud does return.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Commercial Director, said: “We’re seeing customer confidence steadily returning through the marked increase in forward bookings – up 40% in less than two weeks – and the situation is improving with each day.

“Although our customers are enjoying a trouble-free travel period at present and there’s no sign whatsoever of any new volcanic activity, they can have absolute confidence that if the eruptions start again and the ash cloud does return, we’ll be able to safely continue flying the vast majority of our services.

“The aviation industry has worked tirelessly since the ash problem first emerged in April to ensure that we can safely keep our passengers on the move.”

He added: “Although the skies have been clear of volcanic ash for nearly two weeks, we have been working to ensure that a similar situation cannot cause the same disruption to air travellers, particularly in Scotland where people are reliant on air services in a way that is unique in the UK.”