new routes from north-east

Air services need public’s support

Published:

CONFIRMATION that the airline Flybe is looking at new routes from Aberdeen is welcome news in these uncertain times. The ambition of the low-cost carrier is impressive and if the new services can be secured, the north and north-east will be open to new business and leisure opportunities.

The caveat, of course, with all new flight announcements is that if the services are not used then they will be axed. Airlines exist with their finances constantly on a knife-edge.

Flyglobespan’s recent decision not to go ahead with its planned new route to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh was unfortunate but not unexpected, given that only around 200 seats had been sold. This came on the heels of services to Barcelona and Lanzarote also being cut.

The business and tourism communities in the north and north-east have long campaigned for more air links to the region and they have championed the ambition of Aberdeen and Inverness airports.

The future, regardless of the economic situation, depends on seats being filled and money being spent. Use it or lose it, if you like.