Loganair operates routes between Shetland and Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Kirkwall. Passenger numbers on its routes at Sumburgh were up 11% in June, 23% in July and 28% in August this year compared to 2004.

The airport’s running passenger total for April to August 2005 currently stands at 59,534, 10.4% up on the same period in the 2004/05 operating year.

The improved air connectivity delivered by Loganair has allowed more visitors to reach Shetland and is assisting locally-based businesses to access mainland markets and onward international air connections.

Jim Cameron, chief executive of Loganair, said: “Loganair has always believed that increasing frequency allows us to deliver increased usage on the Shetland route, and we are very pleased at the progress that has been made in this regard.

“The combination of increased frequency and our low fares initiative has provided a real stimulus to the market and this certainly bodes well for the growth in air traffic on the Shetland routes.”

Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, said: “Loganair’s initiative in increasing the frequency of flights to Kirkwall, Inverness and Glasgow and direct flights to Edinburgh has made more seats available to the travelling public while the airline has also introduced a wider range of competitive fares. The success of this is demonstrated by the passenger increases achieved in recent months and is excellent news for the local economy and community.

“By working effectively together the airline and the airport are delivering major improvements to the air network that serves Shetland and addressing the aspirations of our stakeholders. This is an excellent example of a strong partnership between airport and airline responding to demand with commercial initiatives and delivering market improvements.”

Sumburgh is the second largest, by passenger volume, of HIAL’s 10 airports and in the year ending 31 March 2005 handled 116,090 passengers and 8,884 aircraft movements. The airport supports scheduled air services to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Kirkwall, and seasonal services to Fair Isle and Oslo. British Airways franchise partner Loganair operates all the scheduled air services apart from the link to Oslo, which is operated by Norwegian regional airline Wideroe, a division of SAS.

Loganair Scheduled Passengers at Sumburgh Airport