Flybe is launching two new routes between Scotland and London Heathrow in a move to strengthen UK regional connectivity.
The airline will next year operate more than 40 scheduled flights a week from Aberdeen and Edinburgh to the UK’s largest international airport.
The new routes, Flybe’s first ever services to Heathrow, will complement the airline’s London City flights from the two Scottish airports.
The new Scottish-Heathrow services do not involve Dundee, from where Flybe fly to London Stansted under a franchise deal with Loganair.
The airline also launched a Dundee to Amsterdam service in May which it has transferred to Edinburgh for “operational reasons” in what it insists is a temporary arrangement.
Flybe said it would consider Dundee and other destinations for Heathrow services in the future.
The Heathrow slots became available as a result of commitments required by the European Commission following the acquisition of BMI by International Consolidated Airlines Group.
Flybe doesn’t have to pay for the slots, other than to meet Heathrow landing and passenger charges.
Flybe will use Heathrow’s Terminal 2 for the 18 Edinburgh flights a day and 10 Aberdeen flights from March 26, with fares from £39.99 one-way.
Flybe executive chairman Simon Laffin said its first flights to London Heathrow will significantly enhance the airline’s UK domestic route network and offer even better links between Scotland and London.
He added: “The new routes to Heathrow will benefit our business customers and customers in Scotland who want to connect with our long haul codeshare partners.”
“These new services position us well to serve our passengers in both Scotland and the South East.
“We have long been lobbying for Heathrow to offer more opportunities for domestic flights to enhance regional connectivity.
“Whilst other operators may have dismissed the possibility of further domestic routes into Heathrow, we look forward to working with the airport to further expand the range of domestic destinations.”
Heathrow’s chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, added: “Improving the connections into Heathrow from all around the UK will be vital in helping to secure the economic future of communities in every corner of the nation.”
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive said: “This new direct service between Edinburgh Airport and London Heathrow means greater choice and lots more options to connect to the world. It is fantastic news for passengers.”
Flybe’s new chief executive is Christine Ourmieres-Widener, previous boss at CityJet. She takes over from Saad Hammad.
