Two new direct services from Shetland have taken off, connecting Shetlanders with the cities of London and Dundee, operated by Scotland’s airline, Loganair.
The fastest way to travel to London from Shetland, the new three and a half hour service operates twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays – allowing for short breaks or longer stays in the bustling city of London. The new service lands in London City Airport, the easiest and most accessible way to travel to the city, just six miles from central London and three miles from Canary Wharf.
Providing further connectivity to and from Shetland, the airline has additionally launched a direct service to Dundee, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays on the same aircraft. In addition to connecting family and friends in and around Dundee, the service will connect travellers with the top tourist sites such as the V&A Museum, while allowing students and avid golfers access to nearby St Andrews – notably ahead of the 150th Open taking place this summer. Shetland and Dundee also have construction industry ties, and it is expected the service is set to benefit local businesses.
Loganair has been working closely with Promote Shetland on the launch of the routes and are planning further collaborative activity to showcase Shetland’s increased connectivity and leisure offering. Likewise, the airline is working with Tay Country to promote Dundee and the surrounding region to showcase the leisure opportunities available to prospective visitors from Shetland.
To celebrate the launch, the passengers on the first service from London were treated to the usual Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer, served on every Loganair flight, in addition to a Shetland speciality – Puffin Poo.
Adam Civico, Content Marketing Manager at Promote Shetland, and Nickesh Patel, Brand Marketing Manager at London City Airport joined the first flight from London to mark the occasion.
Kay Ryan, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “This new direct service between London City Airport and Shetland allows for quick and easy access to two of the UK’s most popular destinations for the first time. Shetlanders will now be just a short trip from the bustling city of London for both business and leisure, while Londoners, and those travelling through London, have access to the tranquil setting of Shetland where they can take in the incredible wildlife and picturesque views on offer.
“Likewise, the new Dundee route brings connectivity to the east coast of Scotland, allowing travellers to explore all that the city has on offer but also allowing further access to nearby coastal towns such as St Andrews.
“It is great to be able to offer this enhanced choice and connectivity to/from Shetland which will be welcome news for many local businesses recovering from the pandemic”
Adam Civico, head of content marketing at Promote Shetland, said: “Today’s launch of a new route to Shetland is great news for both leisure and business travellers. Shetland’s dramatic scenery, unique wildlife and friendly welcome are now just a short flight away from both London and Dundee.
“We hope many people are enticed to find their own true north and visit the islands. Not only are the islands perfect for a getaway in a spectacular location, but they are also a hub of innovation and enterprise.”
Inglis Lyon, HIAL managing director said: “The launch of Loganair’s service between Dundee and Shetland is reflective of the positive domestic recovery the aviation sector is experiencing across both Scotland and the UK.
“The new route will provide greater connectivity between the two locations and also allow passengers to link to London City. This is a welcome addition that will allow greater accessibility between national cities and remote areas of Scotland.”
Both routes to Dundee and London City qualify under the Air Discount Scheme (ADS).
Reservations for Loganair’s newly launched services to London City and Dundee from Shetland can be made at www.loganair