Scottish regional airline Loganair is celebrating the launch of flights to the British capital. Dundee has welcomed a new route this week with the launch of the airline's first flight to London Heathrow (LHR) in 40 years.
This is a significant milestone in the airline's history, and it was celebrated at a special event at Dundee Airport (DND). Loganair's new Heathrow to Shetland via Dundee route was welcomed by members of the Dundee city council just after the first flight touched down.
Linking Dundee and Heathrow
The UK's largest regional carrier recently started offering flights to Heathrow from Derry, Dundee, Orkney, and Shetland, in addition to its existing Isle of Man connection. The 1hr 20min LHR-DND flight was operated on Loganair's ATR 42 for the first in 40 years.
Meanwhile, the Derry service was switched from London Stansted (STN) on Saturday, May 6. The changes have introduced new links in the airline's network, with Derry and Heathrow being directly linked for the first time ever.
Sumburgh and Heathrow have also been linked for the first time, while the route between Heathrow and Dundee has been restored. A connection with Europe's busiest airport is an opportunity for inward investment, tourism, and onward international connections. Loganair Chief Commercial Officer Luke Lovegrove said;
“Dundee is now plugged into Heathrow’s connections with the rest of the world thanks to these new routes, offering incredible opportunities for travel, tourism, and inward investment into the City and wider Tayside region. For the first time in a generation, Dundonians will have the option to use their local airport to fly worldwide or take the short journey to explore Shetland – one of the most remote and unique communities in the UK.”
The change from London on the Shetland via Dundee route means Dundee passengers can book connections to and from DND via LHR to over 97 destinations in 45 countries. Travelers have been gifted more travel options and enhanced connectivity.
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A meaningful city for Loganair
Sustainable aviation and route development promote business growth and create job opportunities for British citizens. Liz Henderson, Director of Membership and Events at the London Chamber of Commerce, said that Loganair achieves this by boosting connectivity across critical regions in the UK.
The carrier connects traditional businesses and tourism centers to some of the country's most remote destinations. Loganair was happy to celebrate the Heathrow flights in Dundee, a city that means so much to the airline. The Convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee Mark Flynn, said;
"The London Heathrow service is predicted to provide economic and social benefits to Dundee and the wider city region through access to a global hub without the need for passengers to travel to another Scottish airport. At the same time, the connectivity to London itself is quick and straightforward, and the route is a great way to get to the UK capital for business or leisure travelers coming from Dundee.”
Loganair has its hub at Glasgow Airport (GLA), from where it operates flights to over 35 destinations in the UK and continental Europe. The addition of Heathrow flights to and from Dundee highlights the carrier's commitment to regional air connectivity.
Dundee is Scotland's fourth-largest and sunniest city, offering numerous indoor and outdoor activities. Various stakeholders and residents were happy to attend the celebration of Loganair's Heathrow-Dundee connection. Chair of Dundee Airport Limited (DAL) Board Lorna Jack concluded;
"We are delighted to support Dundee City Council and Loganair on this new service which is a positive move in terms of air travel to and from the City of Discovery. Heathrow opens a world of onward connectivity opportunities for the people of Dundee and the wider Tayside area.”
What do you think of Loganair's Heathrow flights after 40 years? Let us know in the comments!