Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, today announces the launch of the ‘Spirit of the Highlands’, a specially branded Q400 aircraft named in honour of the region.

To celebrate the launch of its first flights from Inverness to London Gatwick, Flybe has re-named and dedicated the aircraft to the Highlands, and will operate the plane on the route to London Gatwick from today.

The move sees Flybe affirm its long term commitment to its new base at Inverness and its promise to bring a reliable, low cost service to travellers across the Highlands.

Simon Cole-Hamilton, Chief Executive of the Inverness Chamber of Commerce says:

“We very much welcome the arrival of Flybe to Inverness. They’re going to become a very important part of our air services as well as a key contributor to our regional economy. The route they are taking over is the most important business route coming into the area. We look forward to Flybe continuing this highly valued service for us and hope that in due course they will develop it further as well as introduce new routes.”

Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited said: “London is a very important market for the Highlands and we look forward to Flybe taking the Gatwick service to new heights with its expertise in regional services.”

Following the recent acquisition of BA Connect, Highlanders can now take advantage of Flybe’s direct route between Inverness and London Gatwick, benefiting from savings of up to £19 per passenger on the route previously operated by BA Connect.

The route is available for booking now at www.flybe.com with lead in fares from just £34.99 one way including taxes and charges.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer comments: “To celebrate our arrival in the region we wanted to give something back to local residents and by naming a plane in their honour we hope to highlight our commitment to the area.

“The launch of our low cost route to London Gatwick will have a sizeable impact on the local economy through inbound tourism, as well providing people in and around Inverness with a vital, low cost link to the Capital. We hope our presence at Inverness will prove a great success so we can grow our operations in the very near future.”