British Airways' new regional airline BA Connect officially took to the air today (Sunday 26 March) with its first scheduled flight – the BA7941 Inverness to Gatwick service.

And to mark the occasion, the airline presented every passenger on the flight with two free return tickets between Inverness and Gatwick with BA Connect.

David Neill, BA Connect's head of commercial development officially "launched" the airline with the help of the Inverness-based flight and cabin crew on board the first scheduled service.

Mr Neill said, "This is a momentous day for everyone involved with BA Connect and for our passengers.

"To launch a new airline in the current highly competed regional airline market is ambitious but we are confident that we have the right commercial model and that our customers will benefit from this exciting venture."

Already, said Mr Neill, the response to the new product concept had been above expectation.

Forward bookings on the Inverness – Gatwick service in April and May are 20 per cent higher than the same period last year.

And in April, BA Connect expects to record its highest ever monthly passenger number on the route.

Fares on Inverness – Gatwick start at £35 one-way, including all taxes, fees and charges and can be booked at the www.ba.com website.

Before flying on BA Connect's inaugural flight, Mr Neill said, "We're looking forward to delivering our promise of a highly efficient regional airline offering quality service, excellent network and schedules at very affordable prices."

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: "We are delighted that the first flight in the BA Connect network is from Inverness.

"BA Connect's Inverness-Gatwick service is an essential lifeline for the Highlands,  providing access for business travellers and playing a major role in inbound tourism.

"I am sure that the new operation and its competitive fares will prove very popular and I would urge everyone to fully support it by choosing to fly in the months ahead."

BA Connect, a wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways, flies from 14 regional UK airports.