Eastern Airways is independent operator following collapse of Flybe
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EASTERN Airways is an independent operator again following the collapse of the Flybe regional airline and is continuing to fly between Wick John O'Groats Airport and Aberdeen.
Eastern, which had a franchise agreement with Flybe, confirmed that its scheduled routes are on sale and can be booked through its website.
The airline honoured tickets it operated on Flybe services up until today in recognition of "customers’ valued and continued support".
Eastern is providing two new daily services between Aberdeen and Birmingham as from Monday next week.
Roger Hage, the company's general manager (commercial and operations), said: "We are pleased to announce that our flights are now on sale as we’ve moved quickly to introduce a new booking system for Eastern Airways flights since becoming independent again.
"Delivering regional connectivity is vital for economic prosperity and regional development which supports our ability to provide a quality, cost-effective and speedy service to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers."
The independent operator, which was formed in 1997, has moved quickly to return to its own standalone booking facilities after its former franchise partner Flybe went into administration. Travel agents can also book Eastern Airways services directly as the airline returns to its original T3 flight code.
From Aberdeen, the airline provides scheduled flights to Newcastle, Teesside International, Humberside and Cardiff as well as Wick John O’Groats, along with the new service to Birmingham. The Humberside-based operator also flies to Alicante, Anglesey, Belfast City, Cardiff, Dublin, Isle of Man, Leeds Bradford, London City, Manchester and Southampton.
Flybe chief executive Mark Anderson expressed his "deep regret" the company had gone into administration.
"We have been unable to overcome significant funding challenges... and this has been compounded by the outbreak of coronavirus which resulted in a significant impact on demand," he said.
All flights operated by Flybe have been cancelled.
