Flybe, the UK-based European regional airline, has become the first domestic carrier to begin operating at Heathrow Airport since 2013, according to a release by Aberdeen Airport.
The move comes after the UK’s hub announced a GBP10 reduction in domestic passenger charges in January in an attempt to enhance domestic connections at the airport. The move opens up a network of onward connections for travellers from Scotland globally and also enables inbound tourists and investors to visit Scotland’s capital and the Granite City. As per the plan, Flybe will operate up to four daily services to Edinburgh and three to Aberdeen, with fares starting from GBP29.99 and GBP34.99 one-way, respectively.
Flybe CEO Christine Ourmieres-Widener, said: ‘We are so pleased to confirm further our commitment to Scotland by offering even more flights to London with our two new routes from Edinburgh and Aberdeen to Heathrow’s Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal, giving passengers greater choice and also linking them with our range of codeshare partners through our ‘One Stop to the World’ approach.
‘Passengers can, for example, fly onwards with Virgin Atlantic to Los Angeles or New York, or fly east with Singapore Airlines – all on one ticket from Edinburgh or Aberdeen. Early bookings show this is an increasingly important part of the booking profile for these two new routes and we look forward to adding even more codeshare partners shortly.
‘Flybe is the UK’s leading regional airline, with more routes connecting local communities than any other carrier. Our new flights offer the best value for money for those flying between Scotland and Heathrow and mean we can now better serve our passengers in both Scotland and the South East.’
Heathrow Operations Director Derek Provan added: ‘Earlier this year, Heathrow reduced domestic passenger charges by GBP10 and it’s great to see the benefits of that coming through with Flybe’s new services to Aberdeen and Edinburgh boosting choice for our passengers.
‘More airlines flying routes to Scottish airports means more flights, more competition and choice for families, and more visitors to Scotland. With Flybe operating from the award-winning Terminal 2, Scottish passengers and businesses now have direct access from Heathrow to over 180 global destinations including some of the fastest growing export markets around the world. We’re delighted to welcome them to the Heathrow family.’
Flybe services will operate from Heathrow’s Terminal 2, The Queen’s Terminal, and will provide passengers with connections onto Star Alliance’s network of 44 global destinations served directly from Heathrow. Passengers will also have transfers onto flights from Flybe’s codeshare partners Emirates, Virgin, Etihad and Singapore Airlines from Terminal 3.
