Stornoway-Benbecula services extended
21st October 2010
Loganair, Scotland’s Airline, has been named by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as the long-term operator of the inter-island service between Stornoway and Benbecula.
The airline, a Flybe franchise carrier, took over the route on an interim basis at the end of March following the collapse of previous operator Highland Airways. After participating in the re-tendering process required by EU law, Loganair has been formally awarded the contract, which will run until March 2013 subject to finalisation of the CNES budget for 2011/12.
The Flybe reservation system is being updated with information on services from Monday 1st November, allowing passengers to book flights on both the inter-island service and the through-plane service between Inverness and Benbecula, introduced by Loganair earlier in the year.
The through-plane service has cut the cost of return travel between Benbecula and Inverness by almost £30 and made the journey more convenient for passengers by removing the need to disembark from the aircraft at Stornoway.
Connections from Stornoway to Barra via Benbecula and from Edinburgh to Benbecula via Stornoway will also become available for bookings via www.flybe.com.
Commenting on the announcement, Loganair’s Commercial Director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We have worked hard to develop the Stornoway to Benbecula route since taking it over at very short notice earlier in the year. We have added a through-plane service from Inverness and offered additional benefits including online check-in, larger aircraft with improved disability access and improved connections to other Flybe services operated by Loganair.
“These improvements have helped drive a substantial growth in passenger numbers and allowed us to submit a highly competitive bid to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for the long-term operation of this important route.
“We are delighted that the Comhairle has recognised our efforts with the award of the PSO contract, and we look forward to meeting the inter-island travel needs of the Western Isles population in the months and years to come.”
Prices on the service between Stornoway and Benbecula start at £34.99 one-way including all taxes and debit card charges. Flights can be booked via www.flybe.com from Friday 22nd October for travel from November onwards.
Children aged between two and 11 can travel between Stornoway and Benbecula for only £14.63 one-way – representing the Highlands & Islands Airports per-passenger charge – if accompanied by a paying adult. Concessionary student and senior citizen fares are also available on the route.
Loganair will provide two weekday flights in each direction, with flights leaving Stornoway at 09:00 and 15:00 and leaving Benbecula at 10:00 and 16:00 hrs Monday to Friday. The flight time is 30 minutes. The 10:00 flight from Benbecula is re-timed to depart one hour later on certain dates to maintain connections with the Barra-Benbecula air service as and when required by tide times at Barra.
- For reservations, please visit www.flybe.com or for reservations including concessionary fares or Air Discount Scheme travel, please call 0844 800 2855.
- The Air Discount Scheme does not apply on the Stornoway-Benbecula route but is available for itineraries including other connections such as to Inverness and Edinburgh.