News / Loganair’s passenger numbers up – while airline gets a tartan makeover
LOGANAIR has reported an increase in passengers travelling to and from Shetland in the last month as the airline reveals its new tartan-themed look ahead of flying solo.
There was a 17 per cent rise in travel between Sumburgh and the Scottish mainland in July compared to June, with nearly 20,000 people using the route.
The largest increase was between Sumburgh and Glasgow (25 per cent) while there was a 14 per cent growth in flights connecting Aberdeen to Shetland.
It seems passengers not quite so keen on tartan, meanwhile, may have a little bit of bother if they choose to fly with Loganair from 1 September when it goes into competition with current franchise partner Flybe.
Its Spirit of Caithness Saab 340B has become the first airplane to undergo a makeover ahead of Loganair flying under its own name, with red tartan colouring on its tail.
How well the tartan makeover will be received in Shetland, however, remains to be seen. Back in 2009 the SIC created tourism body Promote Shetland specifically to get away from the “tartan and shortbread” image VisitScotland had been pushing, despite the isles having a distinctly different cultural hue.
A further 15 planes will see their existing Flybe branding replaced with the Loganair livery in the coming weeks.
Staff will also wear Scottish-themed clothing on the routes, with ties and skirts featuring the red tartan.
The ‘Loganair tartan’ has in fact become the 11,744th entry on the official Scottish Register of Tartans.
Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said he was “delighted” to introduce the new branding.
“The team have worked incredibly hard to make this happen and the results – whether it be our aircraft livery or uniforms – will make a tremendous impression for our customers but also around over 30 airports in the UK and Europe.”
It is unclear how the competition will pan out, with many people feeling there is only likely to be room for airline in the Northern Isles.
Flybe intends to operate three flights to Aberdeen and one each to Edinburgh and Glasgow daily using a single Embraer jet aircraft.
But concerns have been raised at the possible number of empty seats on the routes, which will also be covered by Loganair, and the financial impact that could have on the two airlines’ service.
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