EASTERN AIRWAYS LAUNCHES EXTRA SERVICES BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND SOUTHAMPTON 07/02/11

Eastern Airways is to introduce more flights from Aberdeen to Southampton from today (Monday 7 February 2011), providing increased choice for passengers as well as benefitting offshore workers.

The extra flights have been welcomed as improved connectivity is seen as essential to continue to support the economic growth of Aberdeen City and Shire.

The number of flights is to increase from three to four a day on weekdays, with scheduled services departing from Aberdeen at 6.40am, 12.50pm, 4.15pm and 6.55pm, landing in Southampton at 9.30am, 2.40pm, 7.05pm and 8.45pm.

The return flights now include a new 6.45am departure from Southampton, as well as 9.55am, 4.15pm and 7.35pm, arriving in Aberdeen at 9.30am, 11.45am, 7.10pm and 9.25pm. 

Sunday flights leave Aberdeen at 4.10pm, arriving in Southampton at 6.30pm, with the return leg departing Southampton at 7pm and arriving in Aberdeen at 9.20pm. 

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways' ground operations manager, said: "Southampton is a key destination for many energy companies and we are pleased to be strengthening the links between the South of England and Europe's Energy Capital by increasing our flights to four a day.

"As well as offering a convenient range of timings, including early morning flights in both directions, the increase will particularly benefit those travelling to do a day's business as our services from the region are significantly quicker than alternative London flights or long and often expensive rail journeys."

Aberdeen Airport's managing director Derek Provan congratulated Eastern Airways on the introduction of the new rotation.

He said: "This is great news for passengers from the North-east. It brings even more choice and flexibility for people travelling to the South coast for both business and leisure. Adding more daily rotations to any route is a sign that it is doing well, and long may that continue."

Dedicated fast track security channels at both Aberdeen and Southampton airports allow Eastern Airways passengers to avoid any security queues.  All passengers departing from Aberdeen Airport with Eastern Airways have access to its dedicated business lounge. 

Formed 13 years ago, Eastern Airways initially built its network of scheduled services around the North Sea offshore industry and currently offers more flights from Aberdeen than any other airline. 

With a fleet of 30 aircraft flying from 21 airports in the UK, Ireland, Norway and France, the airline is the UK's second largest regional carrier.

Eastern Airways also flies from Aberdeen to Bergen, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Newcastle, Norwich, Stavanger, Stornoway and Wick as well as Southampton.