London’s new direct air link with the Shetland Islands takes off today – with the nation abuzz with the islands’ famous TV otters.
Atlantic Airways, the Faroe Islands-based airline, is operating the twice weekly service until the end of October, as a first step towards a planned year-round link.
Today’s historic flight from London Stansted marks the first ever direct scheduled flight from the UK capital to the country’s most northerly territory.
But the islands have seemed far less remote in recent weeks, thanks to Bill Oddie and the BBC’s nightly update on a family of Shetland otters in its Springwatch programme.
And bosses at both Atlantic and tourism body VisitShetland say the otters’ antics have sparked huge interest in travelling to the islands, with travel inquiries up 15%. Already many flights are fully booked, justifying the airline’s decision in February to extend the route’s trial summer operation by two months.
Atlantic first announced the twice-weekly summer link last November, adding that it hoped to build the new route to a year-round service.
Kent Christensen, the airline’s Sales & Marketing Director, said: “We have been greatly encouraged by the volume of bookings on the new route, and the live TV coverage has added to the sense of excitement about the flights.”
Andy Steven, head of VisitShetland, added: “This exposure is an excellent way to showcase what we have on offer in Shetland. The increased interest from wildlife spotters wanting to travel to Shetland to see the otters and orca whales highlighted by Simon King’s TV reports coincides superbly with the launch of Atlantic Airways’ new service.”
And Nick Barton, Stansted Airport’s Business Development and Planning Director, said: “We are delighted that the first direct link between London and the Shetland Isles will operate from Stansted.
“Stansted offers more scheduled connections throughout Europe than any other airport in the world and this new link will further enhance the connection opportunities for our business and leisure passengers.
“We wish Atlantic Airways every success with the launch of this new service which I’m certain will prove extremely popular.”
Services start today (Friday June 23) and will run twice weekly until Friday October 27. Flights operate on Mondays and Fridays, giving a non-stop link from London Stansted to Sumburgh (Shetland) – as well as twice weekly services between Shetland and its North Atlantic neighbour, the Faroe Islands. The flight time is one hour 40 minutes and fares start at £156.
Atlantic Airways is the Faroe Islands’ national carrier and its all-jet fleet links the islands with neighbouring countries including Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Scotland. It also operates on behalf of other carriers to Greenland, as well as flying charter contracts throughout northern and central Europe.
The new routes from Shetland open up exciting tourism opportunities for the UK’s most northerly territories – previously visitors to Shetland have faced complex and expensive journeys by air or a long ferry crossing.
The introduction of the new route is being supported by the Scottish Executive Air Route Development Fund - it will also prove a boon to Shetland’s oil industry, with industry personnel currently travelling on non-direct flights and special charters.
Scottish Transport Minister Tavish Scott said: “This new service, which is supported by our air route development fund, will provide more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the many delights that Shetland offers.
“It will also bring real benefits to the island’s economy and businesses by providing a direct link to London.”
Nigel Flaws, Sumburgh Airport Manager at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, added: “This is the first direct link between Shetland and London and will be good for both inbound tourism and business travellers. The Route Development Fund’s support has been vital to securing this link and we look forward to working closely with Atlantic Airways to ensure that this new service is a success and develops in the future.”
Passengers from London also have the opportunity to travel onward to the Faroe Islands after a short stop at Shetland. Atlantic Airways also provides a strategic link between the Faroe Islands and Aberdeen, operating up to two times weekly.
Atlantic Airways has announced partnerships with two travel agencies in Scotland: Leask Travel in Shetland is offering packages in Shetland, the Faroe Islands and London, while Stewart Travel, in Ayr, is providing a full ticketing service for passengers who prefer not to use the internet.
Further details at www.flyshetland.com; Shetland information from 08701 999 440; Atlantic Airways 020 7823 4242; Leask Travel 01595 693162; Stewart Travel 01292 476721.
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