Highland Airways are working to ensure that Inverness and the Western Isles will both benefit from an enhanced portfolio of flight connections in the autumn with a new service linking Benbecula and Inverness and an additional rotation on its Stornoway-Inverness service.

The Inverness-based airline will introduced the service enhancements on 4th September 2006.  

The company already has daily flights between Inverness and Stornoway and from Stornoway to Benbecula. In today’s announcement they intend offering a completely new daily direct service between Benbecula and Inverness.

The flight will leave Benbecula at 0900 and leave Inverness at 1010 for Benbecula. Additionally Highland are offering an extra lunchtime service between Stornoway and Inverness departing Stornoway at 1240 and departing Inverness at 1345.

The enhancement includes the addition of a new lunchtime rotation between Inverness and Stornoway on Sundays to provide more comprehensive weekend travel options between the two centres. The times of existing services will be varied slightly as a result of the additional flights.

“Several additional travel options are offered between the three airports, including the option to travel from say Stornoway to Inverness via Benbecula or vice versa” said Bob Macleod, chairman of Highland Airways.

“It is intended that transit passengers will usually be able to remain on the aircraft, and turn around times at each airport will be kept to a minimum. Pricing will ensure that transit passengers will not be penalised over those taking direct flights. A further benefit for travellers to and from Barra is that morning connections with Inverness are eased. The timetable has been fine-tuned to make it possible for early Eriskay ferry passengers to catch the Benbecula flight to Inverness.”

Highland Airways will be offering a range of fares with very attractive entry points for those able to book well in advance. The price structure is still being finalised but fares will commence at £19.99 (excluding taxes) for a single journey. The low fare finder available through the airline’s online booking system can help locate the very best fares on www.highlandairways.co.uk.   Those registered with the Scottish Executive Air Discount Scheme aimed at residents of Scottish islands and remote regions can benefit from a further 40% discount on any qualifying fare (excluding taxes and charges) they might secure.

Welcoming the service Councillor Charlie King chairman of Hitrans observed that: “Extra connectivity between the islands and Inverness is exactly what the Hitrans air transport strategy aspires to, and such innovations are to be greatly welcomed. Inverness is increasingly attractive to islanders as an alternative to travelling to the central belt for business, shopping and leisure. Highland Airways’ move reflects the growing role that the city is playing in the wider region. The Air Discount Scheme will also make the cost of travel that much more attractive to island residents.”

Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), also welcomed the development. “These new flights help underpin the increasingly important role that Inverness is playing as the regional transport hub. The island communities will welcome their increased ability to access Inverness. In addition, Highlanders are increasingly enjoying the leisure and business opportunities presented by easier access to the Western Isles.

“HIAL is working with Highland Airways to ensure the new link with Benbecula thrives and becomes an established fixture in the timetable.”