NEW ROUTE - Aberdeen

Loganair and Flybe launch new Cardiff to Aberdeen route.

Loganair announced today that it is launching a new route between Cardiff and Aberdeen as part of a wider expansion plan that will benefit business and leisure travellers. In a joint announcement with franchise partner Flybe, Scotland's airline will introduce the first ever non-stop flights between Cardiff and Aberdeen on April 19.Daily flights will operate between the two destinations, except Saturday, and these will cater for both business and leisure travellers, as well as offering a convenient connection for those living in Wales and working in Scotland's off-shore industry. As the first non-stop service between the two cities, passengers flying from Cardiff will also be able to connect through to other Loganair destinations at Aberdeen, such as Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands.David Harrison, Chief Executive of Loganair, said: "We are delighted to announce the new service between Aberdeen and Cardiff. Our research has identified strong demand for these flights."We're confident that our competitive fares, starting at £44.99 one-way including all taxes, will prove highly attractive to both business and leisure travellers who have, up to now, been forced to make difficult journeys at high prices to travel between the two cities."He added: "At Loganair we are constantly seeking to improve our service and, with Flybe, today's announcement is another step towards ensuring our passengers get the quality service they have come to expect from Scotland's airline at a competitive price."Steve Hodgetts, director of business development at Cardiff International Airport, said: "We welcome Loganair to Cardiff and look forward to the start of the Aberdeen service, which has proved to be a highly desired destination from Cardiff.

"We'd like to thank all those business travellers who completed our 'you would if you could' travel survey last year as the evidence showing Aberdeen as the most travelled to destination not served from the capital helped convince Loganair to launch this new service."I would urge more business travellers to visit the site - www.youwouldifyoucould.co.uk - and complete the two minute survey, which could help substantially reduce journey time to other destinations in the future and also open the region to a number of new business opportunities."Flights will leave Cardiff at 15:15, arriving in Aberdeen at 17:00 and depart Aberdeen at 13:00, arriving in Cardiff at 14:45. Prices on the new route will start from £44.99 one-way including all taxes, fees and charges. Tickets are available from Tuesday 3rd Feb, online at www.flybe.com.