Flybe has announced it will launch a route between London City and Aberdeen this winter, just weeks after British Airways cancelled the same service.
The regional airline will operate 12 weekly flights between the two cities from October 27. A 78-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft will ply the route.
Earlier this month, BA revealed it will cancel its 16-times weekly LCY to Aberdeen route from October 26 (see news, July 2).
Flybe's announcement was praised by Prime Minister David Cameron.
He said: "I welcome today’s announcement that Flybe will introduce daily flights from Aberdeen to London City later this year — a vital route that helps support the north-south economy.
"Keeping our cities connected is part of our long-term economic plan to encourage investment and promote growth so we can generate jobs, pay our way in the world, and create stability, security and a brighter future for our country."
The first service will operate on Mondays to Saturdays and will depart Aberdeen at 0630, arriving at LCY at 0830. The return flight takes off from London City at 0900 and lands in Aberdeen at 1050.
The second service will operate on Mondays to Fridays and Sundays and departs Aberdeen at 1600, landing in London at 1800. The return flight leaves LCY at 1830 and arrives back in Aberdeen at 2020.
Saad Hammad, Flybe's chief executive, said: "We are delighted to step-in to continue offering a twice-daily service between these two economic powerhouses.
"Our announcement is a clear indication of our appetite to maintain momentum with our plans for growth and we look forward to welcoming many new passengers on board in October."
Flybe yesterday announced two other new winter routes, between Birmingham and Berlin Tegel and from East Midlands to Aberdeen (see news, July 22).
Graham Smith
