Loganair Ltd, British Airways’ franchise partner and the principal flight operator in the Highlands and Islands, has increased its air links from Edinburgh to Inverness and Stornoway.

As a result of the new frequencies it is now possible to travel north from the Scottish capital for a day’s business in either Inverness or Stornoway and return the same day.

The move comes in response to demand from air travellers and forms part of winter schedule changes that now include an earlier Glasgow flight to Inverness, Kirkwall and Sumburgh and an earlier flight from Sumburgh to Edinburgh.

Jim Cameron, chief executive of Loganair said: "The new flights from Edinburgh to Inverness and Stornoway mean that there is, for the first time, a viable day return option for our customers out of Edinburgh. This is a significant improvement to our Scottish network.

"Loganair is the largest operator of air services within Scotland we will continue to develop our business to meet the rising demand for air travel across the country."

Alex Johnson, commercial and marketing manager at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited said: "I am delighted that Loganair has responded to customer demand for better air links that suit business travellers. Edinburgh is an important destination for public and private sector travellers and I am sure they will welcome the new frequencies which will help them achieve their goals without overnight stops.

"As the North of Scotland’s principal airport operator we are committed to working with our airline customers to improve air connectivity both within the region and to other parts of Scotland, the UK and beyond.

"This is being achieved through the introduction of new routes and by increasing frequencies on existing services with obvious benefits for the communities and economy of the Highlands and Islands. More than 500,000 passengers travelled via our 10 airports in the past six months and we predict further growth in the year ending March 2004 as a result of the new services introduced during October and November," said Mr Johnson.

Loganair's new services were also welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Tony Jarvis, transport policy officer at the economic development agency said: "Loganair has a long history of serving the needs of air passengers travelling to, from and across the Highlands and Islands. Today's announcement reaffirms their commitment to the area and will be welcomed by business travellers in particular."

ENDS