New Airline Confirmed For L'Derry To London Route

An airline has been found to operate the L'Derry to London route.

It comes only a week after Flybmi went into administration and cancelled all flights to London Stanstead from the City of Derry Airport.

Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed on Thursday, 21 February, that Loganair had been appointed to take over the service.

The twice-daily flight will begin on Wednesday 27 February, using a 49-seat Embraer 145 jet aircraft.

Fares will begin at £39.99, all of which include 20kg of complimentary hold luggage.

Welcoming the announcement, SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly, who sits on the board at the airport, said he was extremely pleased that the route has been restored.

He said: "Citizens and businesses in the North West are heavily reliant upon this service and the news that Loganair quickly moved to take up the tender is most welcome. The SDLP look forward to hearing plans about the forthcoming Derry to Manchester route, which will be an added development for our local airport and our local economy.

"I would like to thank all those who were involved in the intensive negotiations over the past week to ensure this route was saved."

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein MP for L'Derry, Elisha McCallion, said Loganair's appointment is positive news after a concerning week for those who use the route regularly for business, employment and tourism.

"The revival of this service will help restore confidence in City of Derry Airport as a vital transport hub for the north west and support opportunities to explore new routes," the Foyle representative added.

The new flight schedule is similar to the one operated by Flybmi and is designed to enable commuters from the region to avail of a day return.

Scottish airline Loganair already provides a service between L'Derry and Glasgow five days a week.

The District Council's Mayor, Councillor John Boyle, praised the efforts of electred representatives, the City of Derry Airport and the Department for Transport for their work and commitment throughout the week to secure a replacement airline.

He said the news is testament of their commitment to the service.

"This was a very complex process that has now been successfully completed and we are very pleased to be in a position to appoint Loganair to operate this significantly important route," Mayor Boyle added.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair's Managing Director said: "We're extremely pleased to be selected to operate the essential Derry to Stansted air service following completion of a competitive tender process. I know the news about flybmi created great uncertainty, so we're focused on recommencing operations as quickly as possible.

"The route is an important link to London with a schedule which has been tailored to the needs of the business community- enabling a full day of work in the capital before an evening flight home. The weekend services will also be attractive to leisure passengers who can chose the length of a short break."



(JG)