26 January, 2006

SEATS FOR a new air route between Shetland, Faroe and London Stansted are selling well, according to Highlands and Islands Airport Limited.

The airport operator yesterday (Wednesday) reported that already 15 per cent of the available seats were taken although the service only starts in June.

Faroese airline Atlantic Airways announced the new route in November and will initially operate a summer programme of twice weekly return flights.

At more than 520 miles the Sumburgh-Stansted link will be the longest direct UK scheduled air service and will have a flight time of 1 hour 40 minutes.

The service has qualified for support from the Scottish Executive's Air Route Development Fund and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited hopes that if bookings remain strong the summer 2006 programme may be lengthened.

Alex Johnson, HIAL's commercial and marketing manager, said: "Bookings are looking good for the service which will open up new travel opportunities for people in Shetland and also stimulate inbound tourism for the islands.

"We are also discussing with the airline the potential of extending the summer programme in 2006 and a successful season this year would lay good foundations for more growth on the route in 2007.

"This is the second service from Shetland to receive Route Development Fund support and demonstrates the effectiveness of the fund in supporting the commercial development of new air links for the Highlands and Islands."

The new service will operate twice a week - Friday and Monday - between 23 June and 4 September with a 90-seat BAe 146 jet aircraft. Flights can be booked at www.flyshetland.com 
http://www.flyshetland.com