Capacity on the route will almost double for three days a week from August 22 until October 28 when Loganair substitutes its current 18 seat DH Twin Otter aircraft with a Saab 340 aircraft capable of carrying 34 passengers.

The Saab 340 will operate the route on Monday, Thursday and Friday, with the Twin Otter flying on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. There is no service on Sunday.

Flights leave Glasgow at 11.25am, arriving Tiree at 12.15pm from Monday - Friday, and depart at 9.10am with a 10am arrival on Saturdays. Return flights leave Tiree at 12.35pm and touch down at 13.25pm on weekdays, with the Saturday service departing at 10.20am and arriving in Glasgow at 11.10am.

The increase in capacity comes following discussions between Loganair, which operates the service under a Scottish Executive Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract, and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL).

Local residents on Tiree called for a larger aircraft to serve the island when they met with HIAL's board on the island in June. Passenger numbers at the airport are up 25% in the current year, compared to 2004/05.

"The increased capacity on this route is of enormous benefit to Tiree as it allows residents greater access to the mainland and will also enable a larger number of tourists to visit one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland," said Susan Blacklaw, Loganair's marketing manager.

"Flying time between Glasgow and Tiree is only 50 minutes and, with the alternative mainland ferry journey taking five hours, the air service is far more convenient.

"Loganair has listened very carefully to views of stakeholders, who informed us that capacity was a major issue on the route, and we are delighted to be able to provide an enhanced service and upgraded aircraft for three days per week.

"This demonstrates that Loganair, HIAL and the islanders are able to work together in partnership to achieve service enhancements without input from third parties."

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said: "This is a very welcome move by Loganair and demonstrates that by working together, the airport and airline can bring about service enhancements that not only benefit the island's residents but will also allow more people to visit Tiree by air from the mainland.

"The island is a unique environment and is a popular destination with tourists. The larger aircraft means that the air service will continue to provide a lifeline for the people of Tiree and support the local economy."

Fully inclusive return fares are on sale from £65, including all taxes and charges, at www.ba.com.