Loganair has announced plans to take over another route previously operated by the defunct Flybmi.

The Scottish airline confirmed its had been selected as the new operator of the Derry-London Stansted route, which benefits from subsidies under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract.

Loganair will operate a twice daily service (daily on Saturdays) from February 27, which the carrier said would “come as great relief to local travellers given the importance of the route”.

Earlier this week the carrier confirmed it would take over five former Flybmi routes Aberdeen to Bristol, Oslo and Esbjerg, and from Newcastle to Stavanger and Brussels.

The airline has also announced plans for a new daily route between Derry and Manchester, which will launch on May 24 using a 49-seater Embraer 145 jet aircraft.

Loganair already offers five times weekly flights between Derry and Glasgow.

Commenting on the news 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 and the South East 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.”

“Our new Manchester route marks a further expansion of the airline’s destination map from Derry, building our relationship with the airport and providing even more choice to customers. With a robust economy and diverse cultural offering, we’re excited to connect the two cities.”

loganair.co.uk