Achi news desk-
The airline said it had “listened carefully to its customers and crew, and under the new leadership team is acting purposefully to address the concerns that have been raised since considerable time, particularly from core markets in remote parts of Scotland”.
The company said the network changes, once implemented, are expected to help reduce the operational disruption Loganair customers and crews have been experiencing for over 18 months.
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He said the result of these changes will see the stabilization of the daily flight programme, a reduction in the number of delayed and canceled flights, and less disruption for Loganair crews and customers who will be able to book and fly with confidence .
From May 10 Aberdeen to Teesside, Aberdeen to Newcastle, and Glasgow to Southampton will be removed from the Loganair network.
Several other routes will see minor frequency adjustments until the end of the summer timetable on October 26.
Former Wizz Air and easyJet executive Mr Farajallah said: “Since my first day as CEO of Loganair last month, I have been listening closely to feedback from our loyal customers and hardworking crew, and I want to apologize personally to everyone who has been working hard. affected by the unacceptable levels of disruption experienced for over 18 months while the airline has been running a reflow programme.”
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He continued: “We appreciate that the changes we are announcing today may affect some customers whose orders may need to change. While we apologize to the customers affected, this decision is one that has been made in the best interests of the vast majority of customers who must be able to book and fly with confidence, particularly from some of the most remote parts of the UK.
“Loganair is the UK’s largest regional airline, and we are coming back to the fundamental principles that have made us successful for over six decades. We are relentlessly focused on serving our core markets and core customers with confidence, who must be able to book with certainty, and experience a stable and resilient flight programme.
“This is particularly true for the communities of the Highlands and Islands who rely on Loganair to be so much more than an airline serving the leisure market. We have been falling short of the service levels and expected from our loyal customers and our amazing crew for over 18 months, and today we are making changes that once fully implemented throughout the summer will help restore the image and reputation of the we have fought so hard to produce them over so many years as the trusted airline partner in our unique market.
“Our entire team and board of directors are behind us in making these decisions, and we are all excited about the prospect of returning to our core set of principles in our strongholds – and we intend to protect and grow our presence in these markets by demonstrating that we can and will deliver stability and consistent operational excellence.”
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The company said all UK airlines have been experiencing aircraft supply chain problems and crew shortages which have been exacerbated by post-Brexit regulations, limiting UK airlines’ ability to recruit EU pilots.
The company also said: “Loganair pilots are in high demand due to their intensive training and experience of flying in an exciting, yet diverse and challenging environment. In addition, regulatory barriers such as blocking student loans for trainee pilots are contributing to the growing shortage of qualified pilots available.
“Therefore, in making the changes announced today, Loganair is embarking on a new path where Loganair pilot training, benefits and work-life balance will be a huge factor in our commercial and operational decisions.
“By taking proactive steps to streamline operations, the airline aims to deliver a significant change in operational and on-time performance, which in turn will help increase confidence in the product, satisfaction of our customers and of course our valued employees.”
The routes that will see a “temporary slight reduction in services” are:
Edinburgh to Southampton dropped from four to three times a day
Inverness to Manchester fell by 11, to nine per week
Inverness to Stornoway dropped from 10, to nine per week
Isle of Man to Birmingham Saturday services axed
Cancellation of Thursday services between Glasgow and Derry City
Abolition of Friday services from Glasgow to Donegal
Newcastle dropped to Southampton from 15 to 13 on the week
