Extra flights between Tiree and Glasgow
Additional return flights between Tiree and Glasgow will take off this summer, Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay has announced.
An extra rotation on weekdays will get off the ground on the 1st July 2015, helping support the local tourist industry and providing extra capacity for locals who need to leave the island at short notice.
The additional service will operate Monday-Friday, in addition to the current morning service.
Mr Mackay said:
“I’m delighted to announce extra return flights between Tiree and Glasgow – a route that provides the island with a vital social and economic lifeline, ensuring businesses, residents and visitors remain well connected.
“We have listened to the local community, particularly businesses linked to tourism, who have asked for extra capacity on this route. Not only will these additional flights provide a boost to the tourist industry, but they will also offer residents more options when it comes to travelling to the mainland.
“Leisure passengers play a major role for the local economy on Tiree, but it’s also important that islanders are able to access these services at short notice. This announcement will help address both these issues.
"I look forward to these extra flights taking off in the summer.”
Councillor John MacCaskill, speaking on behalf of Tiree Community Council, said:
“We are delighted that the Transport Minister and his Transport Scotland Officials have reacted swiftly and positively to the concerns of Tiree islanders as raised at a recent consultation meeting on our Glasgow to Tiree air service. These significant enhancements to the island air service this summer will provide a much needed economic boost and badly needed additional passenger capacity on what has previously been an overstretched air service".
The Tiree to Glasgow service is a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route supported by the Scottish Government.
The current PSO specification requires the operator – currently Loganair – to provide one rotation per day Monday to Saturday year round, and one Sunday rotation from mid-June to the end of September.
Capacity is set at a minimum of 14 seats from Glasgow to Tiree and 16 from Tiree to Glasgow. (The reduction in weight because of fuel burnt on the first flight means the aircraft can take 2 extra passengers on the return flight).
The additional services will generally fly in the afternoon, but may operate in the morning in some cases. Timings will be confirmed by the operator in due course.